Sheriff Finds Deputy’s Actions Unjustified in Domestic Violence Call
Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden announced the firing of Deputy Eddie Duran on Friday. Duran fatally shot Senior Airman Roger Fortson on May 3rd while responding to a domestic violence call.
Shooting Details Revealed Through Body Camera Footage
Sheriff Aden’s decision comes after an internal investigation and review of body camera footage. The footage shows Deputy Duran shooting Fortson, a 23-year-old Black man, multiple times within two seconds of him opening his apartment door. Fortson was holding his legally owned handgun pointed towards the ground at the time of the shooting.
Internal Investigation Finds No Justification for Use of Force
The sheriff’s office investigation concluded that Fortson posed no threat and his actions did not warrant deadly force. “Mr. Fortson did not make any hostile, attacking movements,” the report states. This aligns with the views of outside law enforcement experts who emphasize that holding a firearm alone, without any threatening actions, does not justify an officer discharging their weapon.
Family Attorney Calls for Further Action
While Attorney Ben Crump, representing the Fortson family, acknowledges the firing as a positive step, he emphasizes it is not enough. “It is not full justice for Roger and his family,” Crump said in a statement.
Ongoing Investigations
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement continues their criminal investigation into the shooting. No formal charges have been filed at this time.
