Alabama Police Officer Who Shot Stephen Perkins 18 Times During Truck Repossession Denied Qualified Immunity, Charged with Murder
ALABAMA — In a landmark decision that has sent shockwaves across the nation, an Alabama police officer who fatally shot Stephen Perkins during a disputed truck repossession has been formally charged with murder and denied qualified immunity. The case is already being described as a crucial test of law enforcement accountability in the United States.
The tragic incident unfolded when Stephen Perkins, a 39-year-old Black man, was confronted outside his home late one night as officers accompanied a private tow truck operator to repossess his vehicle. According to investigations and witness reports, a confrontation escalated rapidly. Within seconds, Perkins was shot an astonishing 18 times by the officer, sparking immediate outrage from the community and civil rights advocates nationwide.
Body camera footage, later released under public pressure, shows that Perkins appeared unarmed and unaware that law enforcement was involved until it was too late. His family and attorneys contend that Perkins was attempting to understand why his vehicle was being taken when he was met with deadly force without proper warning or de-escalation efforts.
In a major development, prosecutors announced that the officer responsible for the shooting will not be shielded by qualified immunity — the legal doctrine that often protects government officials from civil lawsuits in the course of their duties. A judge ruled that the officer’s actions were “grossly disproportionate” and violated Perkins’ constitutional rights, clearing the way for criminal proceedings to move forward.
The officer, whose name has not yet been publicly released pending formal arraignment, has been charged with murder. Prosecutors argue that the use of force was not justified under the circumstances, especially given that Perkins posed no immediate threat to officers or the public at the time he was shot.
“The evidence shows a shocking disregard for human life,” said the district attorney during a press conference. “Stephen Perkins should be alive today. The law demands that those who violate their oath to serve and protect must be held accountable.”
The Perkins family, visibly emotional but resolute, expressed relief that charges were filed. “We’ve waited for months for justice, and today, we take the first step toward holding someone accountable for Stephen’s death,” said his sister. “He was a loving brother, son, and friend — he didn’t deserve to die over a truck.”
Civil rights organizations including the NAACP and Black Lives Matter chapters have rallied around the Perkins family, calling the charges a “necessary but overdue” response to a national crisis of police brutality.
The case has reignited debates around the use of deadly force, especially in low-threat situations like civil disputes over property repossessions. Critics argue that law enforcement agencies must overhaul their training and de-escalation tactics to avoid unnecessary deaths.
Meanwhile, the officer remains in custody pending bail proceedings. If convicted, he could face life in prison.
Vigils for Stephen Perkins are being organized in several cities across Alabama, as activists vow to keep the pressure on the justice system to ensure that the case is prosecuted vigorously.
“This isn’t just about Stephen Perkins,” said a local activist during a rally Monday night. “This is about every Black man and woman who has been treated as disposable by a system that was supposed to protect them. We will not let his name be forgotten.”
The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors prepare for what is expected to be a highly watched and emotionally charged trial.