Ex US Police officer denied immunity in fatal shooting of black man

A former Alabama police officer in United States, has been denied immunity for fatally shooting Steve Perkins, a black man, during a truck repossession in 2023.

The officer, Mac Marquette, was dismissed from the Decatur Police Department.

Marquette, has been charged with the murder of Steve Perkins.

The incident, which occurred on September 29, 2023, saw Marquette fire more than a dozen shots in less than two seconds.

Marquette’s lawyers had argued that he should be protected under Alabama’s “stand your ground” law.

The law allows individuals to use deadly force if they believe they are in imminent danger.

However, a judge ruled against him, stating that no crime is being committed when officers arrived at the scene.

The shooting happened when a tow truck driver attempted to repossess a truck from Perkins’ home early that morning.

According to court documents, Perkins confronted the driver while holding a pistol and asked him to leave his property.

The driver contacted the police.

Marquette and two other officers, Joey Williams and Christopher Mukadam, accompanied the driver back to the property to ensure the repossession went smoothly.

The officers positioned themselves around Perkins’ home, concealing themselves on the premises and across the street.

When Perkins came outside with a gun, Marquette shouted at him twice.

Perkins allegedly turned towards Marquette, prompting the officer to open fire.

Court documents indicate that Marquette continued firing until he emptied his weapon.

Marquette also told investigators that he perceived Perkins as a threat and feared for his life.

However, Judge Charles Elliott ruled that the officers had no legal basis to be involved in the repossession, as they did not have a court order.

He stated that a jury must determine whether Marquette’s actions were justified.

The trial has been scheduled for June 9.

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