Decatur Officer Faces Charges Following Shooting of Stephen Perkins
Decatur, Alabama (US Local News) – A former Decatur police officer, Bailey Marquette, has been indicted on a state murder charge in connection with the shooting death of 39-year-old Stephen Perkins on September 29, 2023. The incident occurred during an attempt to repossess Perkins’ vehicle, leading to a tragic confrontation.
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Home security footage reveals that Perkins was shot multiple times without the opportunity to respond to commands as he emerged from his home. The victim, who was Black, and the accused officer, who is white, saw the shooting draw attention, but both sides insist that the incident was not racially motivated.
Earlier on September 28, a tow truck driver, acting alone and unannounced, attempted to repossess Perkins’ vehicle. Perkins, armed with a gun, confronted the driver, asserting the lack of legal authority for the repossession. Later, four officers, including Marquette, returned with the tow truck driver. Perkins, responding to his barking dog, emerged from his home, holding a flashlight and instructing the driver to “put my truck down.”
The situation escalated when officers, concealed on Perkins’ property and never announcing their presence, ordered Perkins to lie on the ground. Simultaneously, Marquette opened fire, shooting at least 18 times. Perkins was struck seven times and died at the scene.
The city acknowledged that Perkins’ automobile payments were up to date, and the repossession attempt was not authorized. After an internal review, the city fired Marquette and two other officers, while another was suspended.
In a federal lawsuit filed by Perkins’ widow and child, the plaintiffs allege a pattern and practice within the Decatur police force, rewarding officers for “more invasive citizen interactions” rather than dismissing with a traffic ticket.
The indictment of Marquette comes after months of peaceful protests in Decatur, resulting in the city council’s controversial decision to require a permit for public assembly. Morgan County District Attorney Scott Anderson, in a news conference, emphasized the impact on the community, stating the case’s difficulty and agreeing with the grand jury’s decision.
The indictment only charges Marquette, and three other officers were not indicted. However, Anderson hinted at ongoing federal reviews that could lead to additional charges.