1. Fired Florida deputy shooting U.S. airman Roger Fortson
2. Florida deputy termination U.S. airman shooting Roger Fortson.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Department in Florida has announced the firing of Deputy Eddie Duran, who shot and killed 23-year-old Roger Fortson in his home earlier this month. The decision came after an administrative internal affairs investigation concluded that Duran’s use of deadly force was not “objectively reasonable” and violated agency policy.
Sheriff Eric Aden expressed regret over the incident, stating, “This tragic incident should have never occurred. The objective facts do not support the use of deadly force as an appropriate response to Mr. Fortson’s actions. Mr. Fortson did not commit any crime. By all accounts, he was an exceptional airman and individual.”
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Fortson’s family, commented on the firing, calling it a “step forward” but emphasizing that it is not full justice for Fortson and his loved ones. Crump described Duran’s actions as criminal and vowed to continue fighting for accountability in cases of innocent Black individuals killed by law enforcement.
Details of the Incident
Fortson was shot and killed on May 3 during an encounter with deputies from the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities responded to a disturbance call at Fortson’s apartment, where he was alone and FaceTiming with his girlfriend when Deputy Duran approached his door.
Body cam footage of the incident shows Fortson holding a gun pointed toward the ground when Duran fired multiple shots, resulting in Fortson’s death. Aden initially defended Duran’s actions as self-defense, but subsequent investigations led to the deputy’s termination.
Family’s Response
Fortson’s mother, Chantimekki Fortson, and family attorney Brian Barr have raised questions about Duran’s training and are demanding transparency in the case. Barr highlighted Fortson’s commitment to service and called his death a tragedy, while Chantimekki shared the emotional impact on their family, including her grandchildren’s adverse reactions to law enforcement presence.
“When my grandkids see the police, they literally start vomiting,” Chantimekki said. “I’ve taught them to respect the police because of the chaos that goes on and the fact that they get sick to their stomach, it’s crazy.”
Ongoing Investigation
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is conducting an investigation into the incident, with the state attorney’s office set to determine any further actions. The case has garnered attention from civil rights advocates and the community, highlighting the need for accountability and justice in cases of police-involved shootings.
NPR’s Emma Bowman contributed to this report.
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– Florida deputy shooting U.S. airman
– Fired Florida deputy shooting airman Roger Fortson.
