The former Decatur cop who was charged in connection to the fatal shooting of a Black man on his front lawn during a towing dispute has entered a plea we were expecting: not guilty.
Ex-officer Mac Bailey Marquette was identified as the officer who responded to the home of Steve Perkins the evening of September 29, 2023. Authorities say a tow truck driver called the cops to report that Perkins allegedly threatened him with a firearm while he tried to repossess his truck. In home surveillance footage from a neighbor’s house, Marquette is seen sneaking from around the back of Perkins’ home as the tow truck attempted to take the vehicle again. Within seconds of seeing Perkins emerge from inside the home with his firearm, Marquette announced himself but shot him before Perkins had a chance to respond.
The 23-year-old ex-cop was one of three officers fired in connection to the incident and a fourth was suspended. Marquette was only on the force since 2020. Now, he is facing a murder charge.
Read more from WAAY TV:
Mac Bailey Marquette, 23, entered the plea Wednesday. He also waived his March 4 arraignment hearing.
Liz Young, Marquette’s lawyer, released this statement Friday: “Officer Marquette was serving his community as a police officer on September 29, 2023, when he acted in defense of his life and others. We are disappointed he is being prosecuted for such a clear case of self-defense and justified force. Officer Marquette adamantly denies any wrongdoing and his defense team will work zealously on his behalf.
Perkins’ family maintained in a previous statement that the car payments were up to date, which they said means the vehicle should not have been towed.
Marquette heads to trial in November. If convicted, he faces life in prison.