Morgan County Judge Will Hear Decatur Chase Case
A hearing on November 4 will address a motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed over a 2023 fatal police chase.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Law
A Morgan County judge is set to hear a motion to dismiss a lawsuit on November 4, 2026, regarding a fatal police chase in Decatur. The suit was brought by the family of 16-year-old Jaiden DeJarnett.
Why it matters
The legal proceedings highlight questions of liability and police conduct regarding high-speed pursuits in the city. The outcome of the motion will determine if the case proceeds toward trial.
The lawsuit alleges that officers involved in the 2023 pursuit reached speeds of 135 miles per hour. The case involves claims against the city of Decatur, its former mayor, and former officer Mac Marquette.
The players
Jaiden DeJarnett
He was a 16-year-old who died during a 2023 police chase in Decatur.
Mac Marquette
He is a former Decatur police officer named as a defendant in the lawsuit.
The details
The lawsuit alleges that the high-speed pursuit, which reached 135 miles per hour, resulted in the death of 16-year-old Jaiden DeJarnett. Former police officer Mac Marquette has filed a motion to dismiss the claims brought by the DeJarnett family.
Timeline
The fatal crash involving Jaiden DeJarnett occurred in 2023.
A hearing on the motion to dismiss is scheduled for November 4, 2026.
Political Context
This case follows broader patterns of legal challenges regarding the qualified immunity doctrine and municipal liability for police conduct. Opposition to these lawsuits often focuses on the necessity of high-speed pursuits for public safety and the legal protections afforded to officers.
The outcome of this hearing may influence future police department policies on pursuit speeds in Decatur. Taxpayers should note that the lawsuit seeks to hold the city and its former officials accountable for the fatal incident.
The takeaway
The upcoming hearing will clarify the legal path forward for those seeking accountability for the death of Jaiden DeJarnett. Residents should remain informed about local court schedules to track the case's impact on city policy.
What happens next
A hearing on the motion to dismiss the lawsuit is scheduled to take place on November 4, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings in the area, visit the Law section.
