Officer from Decatur pleads for courthouse intervention by Alabama's highest legal authority
In a move to avoid a jury trial, former Decatur police officer Mac Bailey Marquette has taken his case to the Alabama Supreme Court. Marquette is charged with the murder of Steve Perkins, a resident of Decatur, following a shooting outside Perkins' home during a late-night repossession attempt in September 2023.
The shooting sparked protests in Decatur, with critics questioning the role of police in private repossessions and supporters arguing Marquette acted to protect himself. Body-camera footage from the incident shows Marquette firing 18 rounds within seconds of announcing himself as law enforcement.
However, 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. As a result, the case could proceed to trial.
Now, Marquette's attorneys have filed a petition for a writ of mandamus, aiming to require the Alabama Supreme Court to overturn the lower court's ruling and dismiss the charge against Marquette. The petition argues that several issues present warrant the Alabama Supreme Court's consideration in oral argument, linking pre-Back-the-Blue cases with the soon-to-be current state of the law.
The petition specifically requests an oral argument, citing the recent passage of the 'Back the Blue' HB202. This controversial bill, sponsored by an unnamed legislator, enhances legal protections for police officers. HB202 does not take effect until October 1.
If mandamus is not granted, the trial will move forward in Morgan County. Mary Claire Wooten, a reporter, can be reached at mwooten@our website for more information.
The trial has already been delayed several times, with a new date set for November 2025. Marquette's last option to avoid a jury trial is the mandamus request. It remains to be seen whether the Alabama Supreme Court will grant the petition and dismiss the charge against Marquette.
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