Case alleges bullets entered neighboring residence during the 2023 incident and challenges the legality of the repossession effort that preceded the shooting.
Decatur, AL – June 5, 2026 – A lawsuit filed by a neighbor of Steve Perkins has returned to Morgan County Circuit Court, adding another layer to the ongoing legal fallout from the 2023 shooting that occurred during an attempted vehicle repossession in Decatur, Alabama.
The lawsuit was filed by Justin Shepherd, who alleges that multiple bullets fired during the fatal encounter with Perkins entered his occupied home, causing property damage, emotional distress, and placing him in danger.
According to court records, Shepherd originally filed suit in September 2025 against the City of Decatur, former Decatur police officer Bailey Mac Marquette, Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed), and AllStar Recovery. The case was later removed to federal court but was remanded back to Morgan County Circuit Court in May after federal claims were withdrawn from the complaint.
Circuit Judge Jennifer Howell signed an order on May 21 restoring the case to the state court docket, where it remains pending.
Claims Stem from Repossession Attempt
The lawsuit arises from the events of September 29, 2023, when AllStar Recovery attempted to repossess a truck belonging to Perkins on behalf of Pentagon Federal Credit Union.
According to the complaint, an initial repossession attempt was interrupted when Perkins confronted the recovery agent. Court filings note that the tow truck driver has stated Perkins confronted him while armed with a firearm.
Following that encounter, the recovery company contacted the Decatur Police Department.
The lawsuit alleges that a second repossession attempt was subsequently initiated and that responding officers knew or should have known Perkins was likely to emerge from his residence armed based on the earlier confrontation.
The complaint further alleges that officers positioned themselves in concealed tactical locations near the property while the repossession effort resumed.
When Perkins came outside, Officer Bailey Marquette allegedly fired 18 rounds, fatally striking Perkins.
Neighbor Claims Bullets Entered Home
Shepherd alleges that between six and eleven rounds struck his residence at 3938 Ryan Drive Southwest, directly across from Perkins’ home.
According to the lawsuit, several bullets penetrated the structure and entered occupied living areas while Shepherd was inside.
The complaint states that Shepherd narrowly avoided being struck and suffered emotional distress, mental anguish, and property damage as a result of the incident.
He is seeking compensatory damages, attorney fees, costs, and a jury trial.
Repossession Legality Challenged
In addition to claims related to the shooting itself, the lawsuit also challenges the legality of the repossession effort.
The complaint argues that the initial confrontation between Perkins and the recovery agent constituted a “breach of the peace” under Alabama repossession law.
Under Alabama’s version of the Uniform Commercial Code, secured creditors may repossess collateral without a court order only if the repossession can be accomplished without breaching the peace.
Shepherd’s lawsuit contends that once the first confrontation occurred, the repossession should have been terminated and pursued through judicial channels rather than continued.
The complaint alleges that AllStar Recovery knew or should have known it lacked legal authority to proceed with another repossession attempt under those circumstances.
Related Cases Continue
The lawsuit is one of several legal proceedings stemming from the Perkins shooting.
Perkins’ estate continues to pursue claims in federal court against Marquette. While claims against the City of Decatur and several other officers have been dismissed, litigation against Marquette remains active.
Meanwhile, Marquette has been indicted on a murder charge related to the shooting. His criminal trial is currently scheduled to begin on September 21st.
The Alabama Supreme Court is also reviewing Marquette’s appeal of a lower court ruling that denied his claim of immunity under Alabama’s stand-your-ground law.
As those cases move forward, Shepherd’s lawsuit ensures that questions surrounding both the shooting and the repossession that preceded it will continue to receive scrutiny in Alabama courts.
Source: Yahoo News
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