Markeith Loyd

National attention and ongoing efforts

On January 17, 2017, Markeith Loyd was added to the U.S. Marshals Service list of the top 15 most wanted individuals in the nation. The U.S. Marshals Service also added $25,000 to the existing $100,000 reward for information leading to Loyd's arrest.

Orlando Police Chief John Mina expressed frustration over the fact that Loyd had not yet been captured, despite receiving more than 1,400 tips. Some of these tips led authorities to believe that Loyd had attempted to disguise himself by shaving his head. A digitally altered photo of Loyd without hair was released to aid in his identification. Loyd was described as weighing between 180 and 200 pounds and being over 6 feet tall, with a raised scar on his left hand.

Helicopter footage showed Loyd crawling on his stomach toward police officers surrounding the residence. During the arrest, one officer appeared to kick Loyd, who was lying flat on his stomach. Police Chief John Mina held a news conference to address the content of the video and provide further details on Loyd's arrest. Mina stated that officers were concerned Loyd may have been hiding something in his body armor. A large bag of ammunition was found underneath Loyd when he was apprehended.

Loyd did not comply with officers' demands to put his hands behind his back, leading to the use of force. Mina stood behind the actions of the arresting officers and stated that an investigation into the use of force would be conducted. All officers involved in the arrest remained on duty. Loyd was already serving a life sentence for the murder of his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon, which occurred a month before Clayton's death. The prosecution had also sought a death sentence in that case, but Loyd received a life term after the jury unanimously voted against a death sentence.

During the trial, Loyd's mental health was a significant issue. He claimed to have acted in self-defense and that he was insane at the time of the shooting. Despite clinical psychologists testifying that Loyd suffered from delusional beliefs, the judge ruled that he was competent to continue with the sentencing hearing.

Florida Supreme Court hears death penalty appeal

On April 26, 2022, the Florida Supreme Court heard oral arguments for an appeal by Lloyd, who was sentenced to death in March 2022. The appeal was heard in Tallahassee, where assistant public defender Nancy Ryan and state prosecutor Doris Meacham presented their arguments.

Ryan argued that the state had misled the jury and made misstatements that should be considered "structural errors." She contended that the prosecutor minimized the role of jurors in Florida's capital sentencing process and misstated the law defining premeditation. Ryan also criticized the use of music played over photos of Lt. Debra Clayton as an attempt to elicit an emotional response from the jury.

Meacham countered that many of the defense's claims were taken out of context. She said the prosecutor did not tell the jurors they were obligated to come to a unanimous verdict but should "try their best" to do so. Meacham also argued that the prosecutor did not tell the jury to disregard Loyd's mental capacity but reminded them that a judge had rejected his insanity claim.

The justices did not conclude that the music had any effect on the jury's decision. Florida Supreme Court spokesperson Paul Flemming stated that there is no schedule for a final disposition and that the court would continue to deliberate on the case.