FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla.
A judge granted bond on Thursday for Eddie Duran, a former Florida sheriff’s deputy, who has been charged with manslaughter in the shooting of U.S. Air Force senior airman Roger Fortson. The decision came after a detailed hearing centered on the fatal incident that occurred on May 3.
Duran, age 38, was informed by Judge Terrance R. Ketchel, the trial judge for this case, that his bond is set at $100,000. He is not allowed to possess a firearm or leave the area, although he is not required to wear a GPS tracker.
Duran faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted – a rare scenario for a law enforcement officer in Florida. In his defense, Duran’s lawyer, Rodney Smith, emphasized Duran’s history of service. “He has spent his entire life… his entire career and his military career trying to save people, help people,” Smith remarked, arguing against detention. Since being out of work, Duran has been homeschooling his six children while his wife works full-time.
Details of the Incident
Initial reports from the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office suggested that Duran fired in self-defense after encountering Fortson holding a gun. However, after an internal investigation, Sheriff Eric Aden fired Duran on May 31, concluding that Duran’s life was not in danger at the moment of the shooting. External law enforcement experts have also argued that merely holding a gun does not justify the use of deadly force if no direct threat is present.
On the day of the incident, Duran was responding to a report of a physical altercation inside an apartment at the Fort Walton Beach complex. Authorities identified Fortson’s apartment as the location. Fortson, who was alone and speaking with his girlfriend over a FaceTime call, opened the door after repeated knocking. According to Duran’s body camera footage, Duran shot Fortson multiple times, instructing him to drop the gun only after firing.
Duran justified his actions by saying he perceived aggression in Fortson’s eyes, fearing he was about to be shot. “I’m standing there thinking I’m about to get shot, I’m about to die,” Duran told investigators.
Legal Responses and National Attention
During Thursday’s hearing, Smith assured the court of Duran’s compliance with the investigation, stating, “We’ve turned him in. He’s not going anywhere.” He acknowledged the significance of the video evidence and the public’s keen interest, indicating that the defense plans to assert claims related to qualified immunity and Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law.
The incident has sparked renewed debate over the controversial “Stand Your Ground” law and the use of force by law enforcement. The shooting of Fortson is part of a troubling pattern of Black individuals being killed by law enforcement in their homes, eliciting national outcry.
Impact and Community Response
Roger Fortson’s death has left a profound impact on the community. Hundreds of Air Force members in dress blues attended Fortson’s funeral, standing in solidarity with his family and friends. The tragedy resonates deeply, especially among those who knew Fortson well.
Fortson’s mother expressed her grief in the wake of her son’s death, stating that she keeps “hoping it’s a dream.” Despite Duran’s firing, Fortson’s family insists that justice has not yet been served.
The ongoing legal proceedings are closely watched by many as they represent broader implications for law enforcement practices, legal defenses, and community relations. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding police accountability and the rights of individuals in their own homes.
Jeff Martin contributed additional reporting.
