State attorney announces new charges against Markeith Loyd

ORLANDO, Fla. — A grand jury on Wednesday indicted accused cop killer Markeith Loyd on new charges Wednesday.

Loyd is accused of killing his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon, in December and fatally shooting Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton in January.

Loyd, 41, was indicted on first-degree murder for the death of Dixon, 24, killing an unborn child by injury to the mother, attempted first-degree murder with a firearm, two counts of attempted felony murder with a firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

He was also indicted for first-degree murder charges in the death of Clayton, attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer with a firearm, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, carjacking and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

In all, Loyd has been indicted on 11 different counts in the two cases.

Loyd was captured weeks after Clayton's death when he was found hiding out in a vacant home in Orlando.

Loyd will be tried separately for the two cases.

It's unclear if Loyd will face the death penalty in the cases since Florida's death penalty law has been deemed unconstitutional.

"We are eagerly anticipating a new statue from the Legislature. At that point we will evaluate and determine whether we are seeking death on Markeith Loyd," said Orange/Osceola County State Attorney Aramis Ayala.

Ayala announced the additional charges during a news conference Wednesday, then spoke about a new unit to tackle domestic violence in Central Florida.

Sheriff Jerry Demings said in a statement following the indictment: "I applaud the efforts of State Attorney Aramis Ayala in seeking grand jury indictments against Markeith Loyd for the killing of innocent women, an unborn child and the attempted murder of several others.

I pray that justice will now prevail in his prosecution and I stand with the grieving families who cry out for the atonement of the killer of their loved ones."

Cox Media Group