A judge in Alabama recently heard testimonies surrounding the fatal shooting of Steve Perkins as new footage also emerged.
In a series of hearings held both Tuesday and last night, circuit court judge Charles Elliot heard testimonies from both the prosecutors and defense as former police officer Mac Marquette continues to be on trial for the murder of Steve Perkins. Per AP News, new body camera footage of the murder was shown in court. In the footage, none of the three officers who accompanied creditor Caleb Combs to Perkins’ house to repossess his truck are seen.
Through a beam set by the tactical light, attorneys were able to decipher that, while Perkins did initially point a weapon at Combs, the weapon was pointing away from Marquette in surrender when the then-officer opened fire and shot 17 bullets, killing Perkins instantly. No bullets were fired from Perkins’ gun and the chamber was found to be empty.
Questions are now being raised about the legality of the police officers’ presence. Alabama law dictates that a judge’s permission needs to be obtained for law enforcement to be present at a repossession labeled as a “breach of peace.”
As part of the hearings, Judge Elliot also reportedly heard whether or not Marquette would be provided immunity under the “stand your ground” law. Currently, at least 28 states, including Alabama, have a “stand your ground” law that allows the usage of deadly force in the event that they are in a place they have a right to be and are in a position where they are truly in danger.
The prevalence of the “stand your ground” law first began in 2005 after lobbyists from the National Rifle Association argued they should be legally allowed to defend themselves from violence. A renewed look to the statute came after the murder of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin at the hands of George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer who was acquitted after a delayed arrest.
Since then, the law has been involved in numerous other cases, including the murders of high school junior Ralph Yarl and 20-year-old Kaylin Gillis. In 2023, Yarl was shot and killed by an 84-year-old homeowner after he arrived at the wrong house to pick up his siblings. Two days later, Gillis was also killed when her friend incorrectly turned into the wrong driveway and a homeowner shot through the glass, injuring her. She was pronounced dead on the scene when her friends drove her to Salem to get medical help.
With the latest testimonies surrounding the murder of Perkins, the “stand your ground” law is once again in the spotlight. Per AP News, a law enforcement expert brought in to investigate the shooting said that Marquette had the chance to avoid confrontation, thereby potentially nullifying the usage of the statute.
If he is not given immunity, Marquette’s trial will start on April 7, in less than two weeks.
