Ex-Decatur law enforcement official petitions Alabama's highest court for aid
In a recent development, former Decatur police officer Mac Bailey Marquette has filed a petition to the Alabama Supreme Court, seeking to throw out his murder charge. The petition comes after Marquette was indicted in January 2024 for the shooting death of Steve Perkins, which occurred during a late-night repossession attempt in September 2023.
Body-camera footage shows Marquette firing 18 rounds within seconds of announcing himself as law enforcement. The shooting incident sparked protests in Decatur, with critics questioning the role of police in private repossessions and supporters arguing Marquette acted to protect himself.
Marquette's attorneys have challenged the ruling, filing appeals for immunity and seeking to have Elliott removed from the case. In March, Morgan County Circuit Judge Charles Elliott denied Marquette's request for immunity under Alabama's "stand your ground" law. The ruling found that the officers did not have legal authority to be on Perkins' property during the repossession and that Marquette failed to prove he was justified in using deadly force.
The petition specifically requests an oral argument, citing the Alabama Legislature's recent passage of HB202. This controversial bill, sponsored by Rep. Rex Reynolds, R-Huntsville, significantly improves legal protection measures for police officers. However, HB202 does not take effect until October 1.
The petition argues that several issues present warrant an oral argument to link pre-Back-the-Blue cases with the soon-to-be current state of the law. The petition requests the state's highest court to overturn the lower court's ruling and dismiss the charge against Marquette.
If mandamus is granted, the trial before a jury would be prevented. If not, the trial will move forward in Morgan County. A new trial date for Marquette is set for November.
For more information, contact reporter Mary Claire Wooten at mwooten@our website.
This case raises questions about police accountability, a topic of ongoing public debate. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
