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Jury selection begins in killing of pregnant woman, and Florida police officer

Loyd will be tried separately for each slaying. The first trial is for Dixon’s killing. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in both cases.
 
Authorities say 43-year-old Markeith Loyd killed Sade Dixon in December 2016 and gunned down Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton in January 2017 while she was trying to arrest him.
Authorities say 43-year-old Markeith Loyd killed Sade Dixon in December 2016 and gunned down Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton in January 2017 while she was trying to arrest him. [ Photo from video/WKMG News 6 ClickOrlando ]
Published Sept. 27, 2019|Updated Sept. 27, 2019

ORLANDO, Fla. — Jury selection has begun for a man accused of killing his pregnant ex-girlfriend and a Florida police officer.

The Orlando Sentinel reports that Circuit Judge Leticia Marques told potential jurors Friday that if selected for the 12-member panel, they would be sequestered at a hotel because of publicity surrounding the killings.

Authorities say 43-year-old Markeith Loyd killed Sade Dixon in December 2016 and gunned down Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton in January 2017 while she was trying to arrest him.

Loyd will be tried separately for each slaying. The first trial is for Dixon’s killing. A judge has ruled that prosecutors won’t be able to tell jurors in the first trial that Clayton died, only that the same gun was used in both shootings.

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Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in both cases.