A jury in Florida has recommended the death penalty for a man convicted of killing a Florida police officer.  

According to CNN, Markeith Loyd was found guilty of shooting and killing his ex-girlfriend Sade Dixon, who was pregnant, in December 2016. During a manhunt, Loyd shot and killed Orlando police officer Lt. Debra Clayton, in January 2017.  

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Loyd, who was already serving a life sentence after being convicted of killing his ex and their unborn child, was found guilty of killing Clayton in November. The 42-year-old police officer was a master sergeant with the police department. She was posthumously promoted to lieutenant.  

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“In the years since her death, Lieutenant Clayton’s loved ones and the entire OPD family waited for the day when the defendant would be held accountable for his heinous crimes. He will now face the highest penalty provided by the law,” the Orlando Police Department said.  

When convicted for Dixon’s death, a Florida jury unanimously voted not to recommend the death penalty, sparking political clashes. Prior to the trial, Florida state attorney Aramis Ayala was removed from the case for refusing to seek the death penalty in the case, CNN reported.  

RELATED: Virginia Becomes First Southern State to Abolish Death Penalty  

While the Orlando Police Department praised the jury’s ruling, the final decision about Loyd’s life remains in the hands of the presiding judge.  

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