ORLANDO, Fla. – A judge on Tuesday declined a motion by Markeith Loyd's defense to remove the death penalty from his murder cases. Loyd faces first-degree murder charges in the deaths of his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon, and Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton, both of whom were shot to death. Loyd’s attorneys had argued that the decision should have been decided by State Attorney Aramis Ayala, who announced after Clayton's death that she would not seek the death penalty against Loyd -- or anyone. [Timeline: How the hunt and capture of Markeith Loyd unfolded]Gov. Ayala later implemented a panel in her office to determine whether the death penalty should be used in murder cases in her jurisdiction.

READ: State Attorney Ayala's letter to State Attorney KingGov. "After reviewing several Executive Orders, it is clear that 22 executive assignments to you have expired," she wrote. "The ramifications of expired Executive Orders could question your jurisdiction." News 6 investigated and found out those expired executive orders include the murder case of Markeith Loyd, which expired on March 16. She and her husband called King's office and the governor's office Wednesday afternoon, and they got results within hours.

ORLANDO, Fla. – The mother of homicide victim Sade Dixon spoke out Friday in support of State Attorney Aramis Ayala's decision to not seek the death penalty for her daughter's accused killer or anyone else. Rick Scott expressed outrage for Ayala's decision to not pursue capitol punishment for Markeith Loyd. Jaeger Lane, who now lives in Florida, said she was "extremely proud of Ayala's decision." I offered to have a full conversation with him regarding my decision about death penalty. Law enforcement leaders were quick to condemn Ayala decision, including Orlando police Chief John Mina, whose officer was shot and killed on Jan. 9.

ORLANDO, Fla. – Accused police killer Markeith Loyd said Monday during a hearing that he is ready for a state-appointed lawyer, specifically a Miami-based lawyer known for keeping his clients off Florida’s Death Row. Loyd told Orange County Chief Judge Fredrick J. Lauten that he was willing to take on counsel, but only Miami lawyer Terry Lenamon. Lenamon, a managing partner at a small criminal defense firm, is one of Florida’s highest-paid capital litigation lawyers, earning $5 million since 2000 on capital cases, the Miami Herald reported. Rick Scott appointed King as special prosecutor on the Loyd case after the governor removed Orange-Osceola County State Attorney Aramis Ayala. The Miami lawyer also founded the Florida Capital Resource Center, dedicated to providing resources for lawyers defending death-penalty cases.

Chief Judge Frederick J. Lauten scheduled a hearing for April 12 to determine if he will allow Terence Lenamon to represent Loyd. After being brought on early in Anthony's case, he left when the state announced that it would not seek the death penalty. [RELATED: Who is the Miami lawyer Markeith Loyd wants as his defense?] Rick Scott removed Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala, who said she would not pursue the death penalty against Loyd or in any case. King has not officially said if he will seek the death penalty against Loyd.

Clayton was attempting to contact Loyd at the John Young Parkway store because he was wanted on a warrant for the Dec. 13 shooting death of his former pregnant girlfriend. Loyd will likely have a first appearance in Orange County this week where his bail will definitely be denied, News 6 legal expert Steven Kramer said. Loyd will be booked into the Orange County Jail after he is determined healthy enough to leave the hospital. Loyd will be tried at the downtown Orange County Courthouse. Both Orlando and Orange County are in the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court.

“I will not be seeking the death penalty in the cases handled in my office,” Ayala said. Ayala referred a bill passed Tuesday that will require a unanimous jury recommendation before the death penalty can be imposed. "At the time that I was campaigning, (the) death penalty was in that flux created that brought us to this position," she said. She said that while she has personal beliefs about the death penalty, she put them aside and analyzed whether the evidence supported her decision. Harris did not seek the death penalty for the suspect receiving mass protests from law enforcement and politicians.

When Loyd reaches the law enforcement officers about two minutes later, one of the officers appears to kick Loyd while he's lying flat on his stomach. Mina said Loyd did not comply with the officer's demand to put his hands behind his back and that's why force was used. Graphic content: Watch unedited video of Loyd's first court appearanceAt the time of Loyd's arrest, Mina described Loyd's injuries as minor. He's also charged with first degree murder, unlawful killing of an unborn child, attempted first degree murder, and two counts of aggravated assault with a firearm in connection with Dixon's death. Debra ClaytonWitness describes moments after OPD officer was fatally shotShooter in pregnant woman's death has extensive criminal historyPhotos: Orlando officer slain, Orange County deputy dies, manhunt

ORLANDO, Fla. – With the search for Markeith Loyd on its fourth day, Orlando police Chief John Mina urged the murder suspect to "be a man" and turn himself in during a news conference Thursday afternoon. Officials said that during their investigation they found the shirt and pants Loyd had been wearing during the fatal shooting of Orlando police Master Sgt. During that shooting, Mina said Loyd had likely been wearing a bulletproof vest, which is why he was uninjured despite the fact that Clayton shot him. While he stressed the importance of community involvement, he added that civilians shouldn't take matters into their own hands or try to catch the murder suspect themselves. “Be a man and turn yourself in,” Mina said to Loyd.

ORLANDO, Fla. – A trial date has been set for the first murder trial of Markeith Loyd, who is charged with murder in two slayings. During a status hearing Wednesday, Chief Judge Frederick Lauten said Loyd's trial will begin May 6. https://t.co/jhRmFRo3a6 pic.twitter.com/B7NXYPkRZH — Mark Lehman (@MarkLehman6) October 3, 2018Judge grants defense’s motion to subpoena Sade Dixon’s Facebook records. — Mark Lehman (@MarkLehman6) October 3, 2018The defense is also asking for transcripts of certain witnesses from the Grand Jury proceedings, which are sealed. — Mark Lehman (@MarkLehman6) October 3, 2018Watch News 6 and stay with ClickOrlando.com for updates.