Alabama Murder Case: State Responds to Marquette's Self-Defense Claims

The Legal Battle Over the Shooting of Stephen Perkins

The murder case involving former Decatur police officer Mac Marquette is currently on hold as the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals reviews his self-defense claims. This development comes after the Alabama Attorney General’s Office submitted a detailed 43-page filing to the appeals court, arguing that Marquette should not be granted immunity from prosecution for the shooting death of Stephen Perkins.

In its filing, the AG’s office emphasized that Marquette has not demonstrated a clear legal right to immunity. According to the document, the circuit court correctly determined that there are still unresolved questions about whether Marquette had a legal right to be at Perkins’ house and whether he was acting within the scope of his duties as a police officer at the time of the shooting. These matters, the filing suggests, should be decided by a jury rather than through a legal motion.

Marquette is charged with murder in connection with the September 2023 on-duty shooting of Stephen Perkins. The incident occurred during a botched repossession attempt of Perkins' truck. Marquette was indicted in early 2024, but he has claimed that Perkins pointed a gun at him during the encounter, leading to his fatal shooting in what he describes as self-defense.

The AG’s office included details from an investigation conducted by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. The report by investigator Jamie King indicated that the officers involved in the incident acted reasonably. Specifically, King’s report stated that the officers had a reasonable belief that Perkins had committed the crime of menacing when he brandished a firearm against the tow truck driver. It also noted that Marquette had a reasonable belief that Perkins was about to use deadly force against the tow truck driver or himself.

According to the report, Perkins exited his house with a pistol pointed toward the tow truck driver before turning it in the direction of Officer Marquette. This detail is crucial in understanding the context of the shooting and the potential justification for Marquette's actions.

During an immunity hearing in March, King testified about the officers' decision to approach Perkins without announcing their presence. The AG’s office highlighted that King acknowledged this tactic was unusual for the circumstances, as visual officer presence is typically necessary for maintaining peace. Additionally, King testified that the officers may have exceeded the scope of their duties by accompanying the tow truck driver, Caleb Combs, back to Perkins’ house for the second repossession attempt.

Combs had previously reported that Perkins had pointed a gun at him during the first repossession attempt. Based on this information, King concluded that the officers’ involvement in the second attempt went beyond their official responsibilities.

In late March, Morgan County Circuit Judge Charles Elliott denied Marquette’s request for immunity. Now, Marquette is seeking to overturn that decision through the appeals court. If the court determines that Marquette acted in self-defense, the murder charge could be dismissed.

The trial for Marquette is scheduled for September 15, though this date could change depending on the duration of the appeals process. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for both the legal system and the community involved.

As the appeals court continues to review the evidence and arguments presented, the public remains closely watching the developments in this high-profile case. The resolution of this matter will not only impact Marquette’s future but also set a precedent for similar cases involving law enforcement and self-defense claims.