Convicted cop killer Markeith Loyd granted new attorney after legal team withdraws

Markeith Loyd granted approval by judge for new attorney

Convicted cop killer Markeith Loyd will receive a new court-appointed attorney after his legal team withdrew Friday, citing safety concerns stemming from what they described as direct threats of violence. Loyd is on death row for the 2017 killing of Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Convicted cop killer Markeith Loyd will be assigned new counsel after his defense team withdrew Friday, saying they no longer felt safe representing him. 

Loyd, who is on death row for the 2017 killing of Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton, has a history of courtroom outbursts and made additional remarks while being escorted out of court. 

What's New:

A judge approved his request for new representation after his attorneys said Loyd threatened them in a recent filing, prompting their agency to order an immediate withdrawal under its zero-tolerance policy for threats.

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What's next:

Loyd’s next legal team will come from Jacksonville, according to the court.