Former Deputy Arrested for Killing U.S. Airman in Fort Walton Beach
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — A former sheriff’s deputy in Florida faces charges related to the fatal shooting of a U.S. Air Force Airman from Atlanta. The incident occurred when the Airman answered his apartment door while holding a gun pointed toward the ground, officials confirmed on Monday.
Former Okaloosa County deputy Eddie Duran, 38, has been charged with manslaughter with a firearm in connection to the May 3 death of 23-year-old Roger Fortson. The charge, as announced by Assistant State Attorney Greg Marcille on Friday, is a first-degree felony that carries a potential sentence of up to 30 years in prison. Duran was taken into custody and booked into the county jail on Monday, as documented in official records.
Authorities report that Deputy Duran was dispatched to Fortson’s apartment in response to a domestic disturbance call, which turned out to be unfounded. After multiple knocks at Fortson’s door, the Airman opened it, holding a handgun at his side, pointed downward. Immediately upon seeing the weapon, Duran fired multiple shots at Fortson, instructing him to drop the gun only after inflicting the fatal wounds.
The shooting has sparked considerable controversy and sadness within the community. On the day charges were made public, the entrance to the apartment where Fortson was killed was adorned with candles and framed photographs of him proudly wearing his Air Force uniform.
Okaloosa Sheriff Eric Aden took swift action following the shooting. An internal investigation determined that Duran’s life was not in immediate danger at the time he opened fire. Consequently, Aden terminated Duran’s employment on May 31.
This case has stirred significant emotions among residents and offers a grim reminder of the importance of comprehensive training and assessments for law enforcement officers. The charge of manslaughter indicates that prosecutors believe the former deputy’s actions were not justified, despite the overwhelming responsibilities and split-second decisions faced by officers in such situations.
Fortson’s family and friends, still grieving their loss, remember him as a dedicated individual who served his country honorably. He was just 23 years old, and his untimely death has left a deep void among those who knew and loved him.
The community remains divided, with some people strongly supporting the decision to charge Duran, while others call for understanding the complexities and dangers of law enforcement duties. As the legal process unfolds, many hope it will shed further light on what precisely transpired that fateful night and whether the actions taken by Deputy Duran align with police protocols and training.
Fortson’s tragic death has also raised questions about the handling of domestic disturbance calls and the protocols officers follow when engaging with armed individuals who may or may not pose an immediate threat. The pursuit of justice will undoubtedly include a thorough review of these protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This case continues to be closely monitored by many, with both the community and law enforcement officials awaiting the outcomes of the forthcoming legal proceedings.
