ORLANDO, Fla. _ A judge Thursday said Markeith Loyd, the man accused of killing his pregnant ex-girlfriend and an Orlando police officer who tried to arrest him, is competent to decide whether he wants an attorney but did not make a final decision as to whether Loyd can represent himself.
Loyd, who in past appearances swore at judges, sat quietly in the courtroom's jury box for most of the proceedings with three officers sitting around him for security. He answered some of Ninth Circuit Chief Judge Frederick Lauten's questions and ignored others.
"I intend to treat you with respect and dignity because you're owed that as a human being," Lauten said at the start of the hearing. "I need that same behavior from you."
Lauten said he will allow Loyd to call his family from jail Thursday so they can discuss whether he wants them to try and get a lawyer for him.
Loyd faces two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Sade Dixon and Lt. Debra Clayton; one count of unlawfully killing an unborn child; attempted murder, aggravated assault, and carjacking with a firearm.
During his first appearances before judges at the Orange County Jail, Loyd swore repeatedly and claimed authorities were lying about his case. He also said he does not want to be appointed a public defender and plans to represent himself.
Defendants in Florida criminal cases can be allowed to represent themselves in court, though it is very rare for someone accused of murder to do so. The court has to consider the defendant's education lever, familiarity with the relevant laws and courtroom proceedings, and general behavior, among other things.
