Former Okaloosa County Deputy Sheriff Eddie Duran Jr. was charged with manslaughter for fatally shooting U.S. Air Force serviceman Roger Fortson on May 3. Duran responded to a disturbance call at Fortson’s apartment complex, where Fortson was holding a gun pointed towards the ground. Duran allegedly shot Fortson after telling him to step back, leading to his death.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump stated that Fortson’s girlfriend witnessed the shooting over Facetime and expressed concerns about Duran’s aggressive actions. The Fortson family has been demanding answers from the Okaloosa Sheriff’s department, and Fortson’s mother, Chantemekki, demanded charges against Duran in June.
If convicted, Duran could face up to 30 years in prison. The charges against Duran were seen as a step towards justice for the Fortson family by Crump, but nothing can bring Roger back. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office stood by their decision to fire Duran following an internal investigation and expressed condolences to the Fortson family.
Duran’s background includes military service in Iraq and a civilian law enforcement career, with a focus on crisis response and trauma. He briefly left the sheriff’s office in 2021 before rejoining in 2023. The incident raised questions about law enforcement officers’ actions and the consequences of the use of lethal force, particularly when it results in loss of life. The case highlights the importance of accountability and ensuring justice for victims and their families.
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