A high-stakes murder trial in Alabama involving a police officer who shot and killed an armed Black man in his front yard is at a critical juncture as a judge deliberates on whether the officer is protected by state self-defense laws. Morgan County circuit court judge Charles Elliott’s ruling will largely depend on whether the officer had the legal authority to be present at the man’s residence.
Mac Marquette, 25, faces murder charges for the deadly shooting of Steve Perkins in the early hours of September 29, 2023, while accompanying a tow-truck driver to repossess Perkins’ truck in Decatur. The incident sparked protests in the city of Decatur, with the courtroom during the immunity hearing being filled with tension and outcries.
Alabama’s self-defense law provides immunity to individuals who use lethal force if they are in a place they are entitled to be and believe they are in danger. The defense did not dispute that Perkins briefly aimed his gun at Marquette before the fatal shots were fired, as revealed in body camera footage shown in court.
The central issue is whether Marquette had the right to be at the scene in the first place. If the judge rules that Marquette was acting beyond his official duties as an officer, he will not be shielded by self-defense laws, and his trial will proceed in April.
According to Alabama law, a court order is required in cases involving a “breach of the peace” during vehicle repossession attempts, and law enforcement cannot assist without judicial authorization. While Combs was authorized by Perkins’ creditor to repossess the vehicle, there was no judge’s approval.
Defense attorneys argued that Marquette and the other officers were duty-bound to accompany the tow-truck driver on his second attempt to repossess the truck, following an initial confrontation where Perkins pointed a gun at Combs. The officers contended that their actions were in response to a citizen’s request for assistance.
Prosecutors challenged the necessity of officers’ presence without a court order, asserting that officers deliberately kept themselves out of Perkins’ view. The trial raised questions about adherence to department policies, including the use of body cameras and the need for court authorization in such situations.
“Vickery stated that Riddle had only a second and a half before being shot and killed. Riddle is a corps member with The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative, which is part of the Report for America program, a nonprofit national service program that assigns journalists to local newsrooms to cover overlooked topics.”
