Authorities announced on Friday that a Florida sheriff’s deputy, who fatally shot an airman at his apartment earlier this month, has been fired.
Deputy Eddie Duran faced termination after an internal affairs investigation, as stated in a news release by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.
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The sheriff’s office concluded that Duran’s shooting of Senior Airman Roger Fortson was deemed unreasonable and violated agency policy.
“The termination of the officer responsible for the tragic death of Roger Fortson is a positive development, although it falls short of achieving complete justice for Roger and his loved ones,” remarked Ben Crump, the family’s attorney, in a statement released on Friday evening. Crump emphasized that the deputy’s actions were not merely negligent, but rather criminal in nature. He expressed confidence in the ongoing criminal investigation, stating that charges against the officer are expected to be filed. Crump referred to the video footage as compelling evidence, showcasing the brutal and senseless killing of a young man who was simply spending time with his dog and engaging in a video chat with his girlfriend.”
Fortson, a 23-year-old soldier stationed at the Special Operations Wing in Hurlburt Field, was tragically shot and killed by Duran in his apartment in Fort Walton Beach, Florida on May 3. The incident occurred just five miles away from Fortson’s military base.
According to a news release by the sheriff’s office on Friday, it was found by investigators that Duran had been sent to Fortson’s apartment complex to respond to a “in-progress physical disturbance.”
According to the sheriff’s office, upon Duran’s arrival at the complex, a complex employee guided him to unit 1401, stating that it was the “location of the disturbance.” Additionally, the employee mentioned that there had been previous unreported disturbances in or around the same apartment.
Contrary to the earlier claim, the family has released a statement stating that Fortson was actually on a FaceTime call with his girlfriend before the shooting occurred. They also alleged that the deputy was directed to the wrong apartment.
In a recently released body camera video, the sheriff’s office showcased a deputy approaching Fortson’s apartment and identifying himself as a member of the sheriff’s office. As soon as the door swings open, the deputy firmly instructs Fortson to take a step back.
According to Crump, during a news conference, it was mentioned that Fortson was talking to his girlfriend on FaceTime when he heard a knock on the door. Since he couldn’t identify who was at the door, he decided to grab his legally owned gun.
Crump’s firm has also previously shared a video of the FaceTime call, which seems to begin after the shooting, revealing the view of the ceiling in Fortson’s apartment.
In the video, Fortson can be heard groaning, repeatedly saying, “I can’t breathe.”
According to the sheriff’s investigators, Fortson allegedly had a firearm in his right hand when he opened the door. However, the gun was pointed towards the ground, allowing the former deputy to clearly see the rear sight.
The sheriff’s office stated on Friday that Fortson did not physically resist Duran in any way during the incident. Furthermore, the investigation concluded that Mr. Fortson did not point the gun in the former deputy’s direction.
In a statement released on Friday, Sheriff Eric Aden of Okaloosa County expressed his belief that the unfortunate incident should never have taken place. He stated that the objective evidence does not justify the use of lethal force as a suitable response to Mr. Fortson’s actions, emphasizing that Mr. Fortson had not committed any crime. Sheriff Aden further acknowledged that Mr. Fortson was an outstanding airman and an exceptional individual.
