Markeith Loyd’s defense attorney asking for sentencing delay, $20K for additional expert

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Markeith Loyd’s defense attorney wants to delay his sentencing to have another mental health expert evaluate him.

Loyd was convicted of killing Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton and the jury said he should be sentenced to death. But it’s ultimately up to the judge to decide.

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The agency that’s paying for Loyd’s defense is not quite on board with having to use taxpayer money to foot the $20,000 bill for yet another expert in this case.

Loyd can’t pay for his defense attorneys, so the Justice Administrative Commission pays for his defense with taxpayer money.

READ: ‘She got justice today’: Jury recommends death for Markeith Loyd for murder of Lt. Debra Clayton

The organization told the courts it has already spent almost $100,000 on medical and mental testing and evaluations and that enough is enough.

But Loyd’s defense counsel says they need more time to prepare for a Spencer hearing because they need that additional mental health expert to evaluate Loyd for anosognosia, a disorder defined as a lack of ability to perceive the realities of one’s own condition.

READ: Who was Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton?

The jury that recommended death did ask if Loyd was being treated for any mental health condition. Defense attorney Terence Lenamon said showing Loyd has this disorder would show that often those diagnosed will refuse treatment or under report symptoms of mental illness.

Without the funds to pay him, Lenamon said Loyd’s right to due process will be violated.

READ: Who is Markeith Loyd?

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Markeith Loyd (wftv.com)

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