The Decatur City Council approved a measure to rename a street in honor of Steve Perkins, who was shot and killed outside of his home in September 2023.
Ryan Drive, where Perkins lived and died, will be renamed Steve Perkins Drive.
Councilman Billy Jackson thanked the community for its participation in the matter.
“Apparently, there are people on that street that take this as a move in the right direction, so I want to just commend everyone who participated in this,” Jackson said.
Perkins was killed by police after a tow truck company attempted to repossess his truck. Former officer Mac Bailey Marquette was charged with murder and is scheduled to go to trial on November 17.
Video of the incident showed police response after the tow truck driver called and reported Perkins approached him with a gun.
The death of Perkins sparked protests and public outcry.
A petition to change the street name received 76% approval from residents. The council unanimously approved the change.
Perkins’ widow, Catrela Perkins, took to social media, thanking those who championed the effort.
"It’s been a long time coming BUT I told yall a while back can’t stop God !God DID
Big thanks to Billy Jackson and ALL who made this happen," she wrote in part.
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