The state attorney in Florida has brought charges against ex-deputy Eddie Duran in connection with the fatal shooting of Sr. Airman Roger Fortson, who lost his life in his home.
Duran faces a single count of manslaughter involving a firearm, which could result in a prison term of up to three decades. A warrant for Duran’s arrest is set to be issued by the court on Friday. The deputy involved in the shooting of Fortson during a confrontation on May 3 was fired from his position within the department that same month, as stated by a sheriff’s department release obtained by ABC News.
RELATED: Body Cam Footage Released Of Deadly Police Shooting Of U.S. Airman Roger Fortson
As we previously reported, Fortson was at his residence in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, when Duran arrived at the apartment in response to a report of a domestic disturbance, according to the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.
In footage captured by body cameras and released by the sheriff’s office, Fortson is visible holding a firearm in his right hand, his arm lowered and the barrel directed toward the ground as he opens the door to the deputy, who is heard clearly stating twice that he is with the sheriff’s office. Analysis of the footage by ABC News reveals that Fortson raised his left hand, displaying his palm in a gesture toward the deputy as he opened the door.
According to the footage, Duran fired at Fortson just moments after the door swung open. Tragically, Fortson passed away from his injuries.
In an interview with the sheriff’s office during the ensuing investigation, Duran stated that he observed Fortson brandishing a firearm and noted that Fortson advanced toward him with an aggressive expression.
Fortson’s girlfriend, who requested anonymity for her safety, shared her account with Atlanta’s ABC affiliate WSB-TV in May, indicating that she and Fortson were discussing their weekend plans over the phone when the shooting took place.
Following the incident, Duran was placed on administrative leave as the investigation proceeded. “Hearing sounds of a disturbance, he reacted in self-defense after he encountered a 23-year-old man armed with a gun,” according to a sheriff’s office statement released on May 9. “[This was] after the deputy had identified himself as law enforcement.”