Suspect In Orlando Officer's Death Will Act As Own Lawyer

Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter

ORLANDO (CBSMiami/AP) — As President Abraham Lincoln said, "he who represents himself has a fool for a client."

A man suspected in the killings of his pregnant ex-girlfriend and an Orlando police officer is insisting on defending himself against murder charges.

Markeith Loyd made the decision in court on Thursday despite repeated warnings from a judge that it's a bad idea.

Judge Frederick Lauten warned Loyd that it's almost always unwise to represent oneself, and said Loyd would have only limited legal resources available while awaiting his trial in jail on no bond.

However, the judge said Loyd appeared competent to make that decision.

Loyd is facing two first-degree murder counts and a host of other charges related to the deaths of his ex-girlfriend and Lt. Debra Clayton.

He cursed and interrupted judges in three previous court appearances from jail, but appeared subdued during Thursday's hearing.

(TM and © Copyright 2017 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)