Manslaughter charge for ex-deputy in shooting of US airman from Atlanta
Manslaughter charge for ex-deputy in shooting of US airman from Atlanta
Former Okaloosa County deputy Eddie Duran was charged Thursday.
OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — A Florida Panhandle sheriff’s deputy is facing a charge of manslaughter with a firearm in connection with the fatal shooting of an airman who opened his apartment door while holding a gun.
Former Okaloosa County deputy Eddie Duran was charged Thursday in the May 3 shooting death of Senior Airman Roger Fortson, Assistant State Attorney Greg Marcille said Thursday. That is a first-degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
Marcille said a warrant has been issued for Duran’s arrest but he is not in custody at the moment.
Ben Crump, an attorney for the family, issued a statement saying the decision to bring charges “marks the first step towards justice.”
“Nothing can ever bring Roger back, and our fight is far from over, but we are hopeful that this arrest and these charges will result in real justice for the Fortson family,” the statement said. “Let this be a reminder to law enforcement officers everywhere that they swore a solemn oath to protect and defend, and their actions have consequences, especially when it results in the loss of life.”
Authorities say Duran had been been directed to Fortson’s Fort Walton Beach apartment in response to a domestic disturbance report that turned out to be false.
After repeated knocking, Fortson opened the door while holding his handgun at his side, pointed down. Authorities say that Duran shot him multiple times; only then did he tell Fortson to drop the gun.
More on the Roger Fortson case
Just last week, Fortson’s family and their attorneys gathered to push for action on the case.
On June 1, Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden fired Deputy Duran.
The body camera video shows that when the deputy arrived outside Fortson’s door, he stood silently for 20 seconds outside and listened, but no voices inside were heard on his body camera. He then pounded on the door but didn’t identify himself. He then moved to the side of the door, about 5 feet away. He waited 15 seconds before pounding on the door again. This time, he yelled, “Sheriff’s office — open the door!” He again moved to the side.
Less than 10 seconds later, he moved back in front of the door and pounded again, announcing himself once more.
Fortson, 23, opened the door with his legally purchased gun in his right hand. It was at his side, pointing to the ground. The deputy said, “Step back,” then immediately began firing. Fortson fell backward onto the floor.
Then, the deputy yells, “Drop the gun!”
The sheriff said Duran was wrong to fire his weapon.
A criminal investigation was being handled by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
The 23-year-old U.S. service member graduated from McNair High School in DeKalb County. Following graduation, Fortson enlisted in the Air Force, where he was based at the Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field — right near Fort Walton Beach.
The family suffered another devastating tragedy since Fortson’s death. One of Fortson’s siblings was killed in metro Atlanta last month in a shooting. A suspect has been arrested in the case.