A Florida Panhandle sheriff made the decision to terminate a deputy who fatally shot an airman at his home while holding a handgun pointed toward the ground. The sheriff stated that the deputy’s life was never in danger and therefore, he should not have discharged his weapon.
Sheriff Eric Aden of Okaloosa County fired Deputy Eddie Duran, who shot Senior Airman Roger Fortson on May 3 following a domestic violence call that led to Fortson’s apartment. Duran fatally shot the 23-year-old Fortson multiple times, just two seconds after Fortson opened his door while holding his legally owned gun in his right hand, as seen in the body camera video. The gun was pointed directly at the ground, and Fortson was Black while Duran, age 39, identified as Hispanic on his voter registration.
An internal affairs investigation concluded that Duran’s use of deadly force was not objectively reasonable since Fortson did not make any hostile movements. External law enforcement experts also stated that an officer cannot shoot simply because a suspect is holding a gun without posing a threat.
Sheriff Aden stated, “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.”
No criminal charges have been filed, but the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is conducting an ongoing investigation.
Duran did not respond to messages, and his attorney did not immediately return requests for comment. According to the internal affairs report, Duran claimed he felt threatened when Fortson opened the door and fired his weapon thinking he was about to be shot.
Attorney Ben Crump, representing Fortson’s family, mentioned that Duran’s termination is a step forward but does not amount to full justice for Roger and his family, describing the deputy’s actions as not just negligent but criminal.
Sabu Williams, the president of the Okaloosa County NAACP, commended Sheriff Aden’s actions and emphasized that this may not be the end of the investigation. Williams stated that due diligence is necessary, even though some may have wanted faster progress.
Duran, a law enforcement veteran, began his career as a military police officer in the Army. He joined the Okaloosa County sheriff’s office in 2019, resigned two years later, and rejoined the office 11 months before the incident.
The tragic events started with a call from a tenant alleging a disturbance in Fortson’s apartment. However, Fortson lived alone and had no guests present at the time. He was on a video call with his girlfriend, discrediting the argument claims made by the caller.
When Deputy Duran arrived at Fortson’s door, he claimed to perceive a threat and ended up fatally shooting Fortson when he opened the door with a gun in his hand.
The termination of Deputy Duran has been appreciated by community leaders, but the investigation is ongoing to ensure justice is served for Senior Airman Roger Fortson and his family.