Former Deputy Faces Serious Charges
A former Florida sheriff’s deputy, Eddie Duran, has been charged with manslaughter with a firearm in connection with the fatal shooting of U.S. Air Force senior airman Roger Fortson at his apartment on May 3. The charge, announced by Assistant State Attorney Greg Marcille, marks a rare criminal case against a Florida law enforcement officer. The first-degree felony carries a potential sentence of up to 30 years in prison.
The Incident Leading to the Charges
The incident occurred when Duran responded to a domestic disturbance call at Fortson’s apartment in Fort Walton Beach, which later turned out to be a false alarm. According to authorities, Fortson, a 23-year-old Black airman, answered his door while holding a gun pointed toward the ground. Despite this, Duran opened fire without warning, shooting Fortson multiple times before telling him to drop the weapon.
Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden terminated Duran on May 31 after an internal investigation concluded that the deputy’s life was not in danger when he decided to use deadly force. A warrant for Duran’s arrest has been issued, though he was not in custody as of Friday afternoon.
Background on the Case
Duran’s body camera footage showed that he knocked on Fortson’s door multiple times but did not consistently identify himself as law enforcement. Fortson, unaware of who was at his door, armed himself before answering. When he opened the door, Duran quickly fired, fatally wounding the airman.
The Victim and Ongoing Investigation
Roger Fortson, who had no criminal record, was a special missions aviator serving on an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship. He had earned an Air Medal with a combat device for his service. His tragic death has prompted reflection on the responsibilities and consequences of law enforcement actions.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has stated that it stands by its decision to terminate Duran and has remained “fully accountable and transparent” throughout the investigation.
As the legal proceedings continue, Duran’s actions will be scrutinized in court, with significant implications for law enforcement practices and accountability in Florida and beyond.
