A Florida Panhandle sheriff’s deputy has been charged with manslaughter with a firearm in connection with the fatal shooting of Senior Airman Roger Fortson, who was shot after opening his apartment door while holding a gun. The former Okaloosa County deputy, Eddie Duran, is facing a first-degree felony charge that carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison.
The incident occurred on May 3 when Duran responded to a false domestic disturbance report at Fortson’s Fort Walton Beach apartment. Despite Fortson holding his handgun at his side and pointing it down, Duran shot him multiple times before instructing him to drop the gun.
Following an internal investigation, Okaloosa Sheriff Eric Aden terminated Duran's employment on May 31, stating that Duran's life was not in danger when he opened fire. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Fortson's family, emphasized the importance of law enforcement officers being held accountable for their actions, especially when they result in loss of life.
This case marks a rare instance of a Florida law enforcement officer being charged for an on-duty killing. The U.S. Supreme Court's doctrine of 'qualified immunity' often makes it challenging to prosecute officers for questionable shootings, but in this case, Duran is facing legal consequences for his actions.
Fortson, a 23-year-old Black airman assigned to the 4th Special Operations Squadron, was fatally shot by Duran, who had a military police background before joining the sheriff’s office. The tragic incident has sparked discussions about police accountability and the use of force in law enforcement.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the community awaits justice for Senior Airman Roger Fortson and hopes for transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices.
