– Florida deputy who shot U.S. airman Roger Fortson fired
– Florida sheriff deputy who shot U.S. airman Roger Fortson terminated.
Accident – Death – Obituary News : The Florida deputy who fatally shot 23-year-old Roger Fortson in his home earlier this month has been terminated from his position. In a recent news release, the Okaloosa County, Fla., Sheriff’s Department announced that Deputy Eddie Duran was fired following an internal investigation that concluded his use of deadly force was not justified according to agency policy.
Sheriff Eric Aden expressed regret over the incident, stating, “This tragic event should never have happened. The evidence does not support the use of deadly force as a warranted response to Mr. Fortson’s actions. Mr. Fortson was not engaged in any criminal activity. He was a commendable airman and individual.”
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Fortson’s family, remarked on the termination of Deputy Duran, calling it a step in the right direction but not complete justice for Fortson and his loved ones. Crump asserted, “The deputy’s actions were not merely negligent, but criminal in nature.”
The fatal shooting of Fortson occurred on May 3 during an encounter involving the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. Responding to a disturbance call at Fortson’s apartment, deputies found him alone and speaking with his girlfriend via FaceTime. Body camera footage captured the moment when Duran shot Fortson multiple times, leading to his death in the hospital.
Despite initial claims of self-defense by Duran, further investigation revealed inconsistencies in the events leading up to the shooting. Crump highlighted the need for transparency and accountability from the sheriff’s department, urging officials to acknowledge the truth behind Fortson’s tragic death.
Fortson’s mother, Chantimekki Fortson, and family attorney Brian Barr raised concerns about the deputy’s training and questioned the circumstances surrounding the incident. Barr lamented the loss of a dedicated individual who served his family, country, and friends, emphasizing the impact of Fortson’s untimely death on his loved ones.
Chantimekki shared the profound impact of her son’s death on the family, particularly on Fortson’s nieces and nephews who now associate police presence with fear and discomfort. She expressed dismay over the lasting effects of the tragedy on the younger members of their family.
An ongoing investigation by Florida’s Department of Law Enforcement will determine any further actions to be taken in response to Fortson’s death. The state attorney’s office will play a crucial role in evaluating the findings of the investigation and deciding on potential legal proceedings.
The termination of Deputy Duran marks a significant development in the case, but Fortson’s family and supporters continue to seek justice and accountability for his wrongful death. The community and legal advocates stand united in their pursuit of truth and justice for Roger Fortson and other innocent individuals impacted by police violence.
*This article was contributed to by NPR’s Emma Bowman.*.
Florida deputy shot U.S. airman Roger Fortson
Deputy fired for shooting U.S. airman Roger Fortson.
