Latest news with #Fortson
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
Judge rules that deputy who shot DeKalb airman can't seek employment
The Florida sheriff's deputy who shot and killed a U.S. airman from DeKalb County will not be allowed to leave the county to get a job. Airman Roger Fortson was shot and killed as he opened the door to his apartment in May 2024. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Deputy Eddie Duran Jr. is charged with manslaughter and appeared in an Okaloosa County courtroom on Tuesday for a motions hearing. Channel 2's Audrey Washington was the only Atlanta reporter in the courtroom. She'll have the latest details, LIVE on Channel 2 Action News at 4:00 p.m. On Tuesday afternoon, the judge denied a motion, meaning that Duran cannot leave Okaloosa County to seek employment elsewhere. RELATED STORIES: Lawsuit filed in shooting death of US airman Florida deputy charged with manslaughter in death of DeKalb airman 'I can't breathe:' Girlfriend of airman shot to death by Florida deputies reveals his last moments Deputy who shot, killed Airman Roger Fortson has been fired over unreasonable deadly force Hundreds pack funeral for Roger Fortson, the Black airman killed in his home by a Florida deputy While responding to a disturbance call at Fortson's apartment complex, Fortson was shot and killed. Body camera video showed the airman answer the door holding his legally registered gun pointed toward the floor. It was later determined that there was no disturbance at Fortson's apartment. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Yahoo
Family sues after U.S. Airman killed by Florida deputy in his own home
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways The Brief The family of Roger Fortson, a Black U.S. airman, filed a wrongful death lawsuit after he was fatally shot by a deputy responding to a false domestic call. Deputy Eddie Duran has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter in the May 2024 shooting. The case has sparked national outcry over policing, race, and accountability in law enforcement. ORLANDO, Fla. - The family of Roger Fortson, a Black U.S. airman, filed a wrongful death lawsuit after he was fatally shot by a deputy responding to a false domestic call. 'He had a life ahead of him' What we know On May 3, 2024, Deputy Eddie Duran shot and killed Senior Airman Roger Fortson inside Fortson's own apartment in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. The deputy had responded to a 911 call about a domestic disturbance allegedly coming from Fortson's unit. U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Roger Fortson, 23, died Friday, May 3, following an incident at his off-base residence. Fortson was assigned to the 4th Special Operations Squadron. He entered active duty on Nov. 19, 2019. [Credit: U.S. Air Force] When Fortson opened the door, he was shot within seconds. He was alone and on a FaceTime call with his girlfriend at the time. Duran has since been charged with manslaughter with a firearm and has pleaded not guilty. Fortson was a 23-year-old Black airman assigned to the 4th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field. What we don't know It remains unclear why Fortson's apartment was identified as the location of the reported disturbance or what information the apartment complex staff provided to the deputy. Authorities have not fully disclosed the body camera footage or other details about Duran's actions in the moments leading up to the shooting. Additionally, it's uncertain whether the justice system in Okaloosa County will conduct a trial that Fortson's family and supporters deem fair. The backstory This incident joins a broader national conversation about police use of force, especially in cases involving Black victims. Fortson's death has prompted comparisons to other high-profile killings of Black Americans by law enforcement, including those of Michael Brown, Breonna Taylor, Tyre Nichols, and George Floyd. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who has represented families in many of those cases, is now representing Fortson's family. The case also intersects with ongoing military efforts to address racial disparities within its ranks. Big picture view The shooting has reignited concerns about systemic issues in law enforcement accountability and racial bias, particularly in areas like the Florida Panhandle. Okaloosa County has a reputation for rarely charging officers for on-duty killings, and convictions are even rarer. Fortson's death adds pressure on local and federal systems to reassess police response protocols, training standards, and the role of racial dynamics in use-of-force cases. What they're saying Deputy Eddie Duran was responding to a domestic disturbance report at Fortson's apartment that turned out to be false. "I want accountability because he was 23. I want accountability because he had a life ahead of him. I want accountability because he was in his own home," said Fortson's mother, Meka Fortson, at a news conference. It is highly unusual for Florida law enforcement officers to be charged for an on-duty killing. Convictions in such cases are even rarer. "This is not policing. This is an unlawful execution," said Ben Crump, the family's attorney. "We believe Roger's death was a result of a pattern and practice here in Okaloosa County," Crump added, criticizing what he called systemic issues in the sheriff's office. Meka Fortson also expressed deep skepticism about local justice. "I have no faith in Okaloosa County," she said, casting doubt that her son's case would receive a fair trial in the area where the deputy worked. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: The Source This story was written based on reporting by the Associated Press, information released by the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and statements provided during a news conference held by Ben Crump, the family's attorney.
Miami Herald
07-05-2025
- Miami Herald
Family sues after U.S. airman Roger Fortson killed by Florida deputy in his home
Florida Family sues after U.S. airman Roger Fortson killed by Florida deputy in his home Senior Airman Roger Fortson, 23, was shot and killed inside his apartment by deputies with the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, attorneys say. 10 Tampa Bay via Facebook The mother of slain U.S. airman Roger Fortson is demanding justice from those she deems responsible for gunning down her 23-year-old son inside his apartment last year through a lawsuit filed Tuesday alleging excessive force, wrongful death, municipal liability and other wrongdoings. Chantimekki 'Meka' Fortson, with civil rights attorney Ben Crump, has sued the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, Deputy Eddie Duran, the Elan Apartments where the Black airman lived and a leasing agent identified as Jane Doe. 'Mr. Fortson, who was lawfully in possession of a legally owned firearm and posed no threat, was killed as a result of a cascade of negligent, reckless and unconstitutional actions by both law enforcement and the apartment complex where he resided,' the suit read. Duran is the since-fired and criminally charged deputy who is alleged to have fatally shot Fortson. In August, he was charged with manslaughter with a firearm, a first-degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison. His sheriff's office admonished his actions for an unnecessary use of force. READ MORE: Florida deputy fired after investigation into his killing of a Black U.S. airman Fortson was killed May 3 in his off-base Fort Walton Beach apartment, which is located between Pensacola and Panama City. He served as an AC-130J Ghostrider gunner with the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field. That afternoon, while alone in his apartment and on a FaceTime call with his girlfriend, a leasing agent at Elan Apartments called the Okaloosa Sheriff's Office, reporting a possible domestic disturbance, the lawsuit said. Crump and Chantimekki claim the agent's claim was unverified and based on secondhand information. Based on that information, Duran was sent to his apartment, which started a tense confrontation that devolved into Fortson's death. The sheriff's office released 'objective facts' on the pair's interaction. Doran waited at Fortson's door and listened for sounds of the possible 'disturbance.' Hearing nothing, he knocked without announcing he was a deputy. He said he heard 'something to the effect of it's the (expletive) police.' Doran knocked loudly two more times, this time announcing himself. When Forston opened the door, Doran saw him holding a gun in his right hand. The gun was pointed at the ground 'sufficiently enough for the former deputy to clearly see the rear face of the rear sight,' according to the sheriff's office's account. Almost immediately after opening the door, Doran shot him six times. In its findings, the sheriff's office concluded Fortson did not physically resist in any way and did not point the gun at Doran, which was seen in earlier released body camera footage. 'This was a catastrophic failure on every level: By a deputy who used unjustifiable force, by a sheriff's office that failed to train its officers properly, and by an apartment employee whose reckless assumptions set this deadly chain of events into motion,' said Attorney Ben Crump. READ MORE: Black airman shot to death by a Florida deputy who blitzed wrong apartment, attorneys say The lawsuit pointed out body camera footage and an internal affairs report confirmed that Fortson never raised his weapon and posed no threat. 'Roger Fortson was a proud service member, a loving son, and a young man with his whole life ahead of him,' Crump said. 'He deserved to feel safe in his own home. Instead, he was killed where he should have been safest, based on hearsay and bias. This lawsuit is about justice for Roger and accountability for those responsible for his needless death.' Devoun Cetoute Miami Herald Go to X Go to Facebook Email this person 305-376-2026 Miami Herald Cops and Breaking News Reporter Devoun Cetoute covers a plethora of Florida topics, from breaking news to crime patterns. He was on the breaking news team that won a Pulitzer Prize in 2022. He's a graduate of the University of Florida, born and raised in Miami-Dade. Theme parks, movies and cars are on his mind in and out of the office.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Yahoo
Lawsuit filed over Florida deputy's shooting of US airman who was killed in his own home
Lawsuit filed over Florida deputy's shooting of US airman who was killed in his own home FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday against a former Florida sheriff's deputy and others for the May 2024 shooting death of 23-year-old U.S. Senior Airman Roger Fortson. Former Okaloosa County Sheriff's Deputy Eddie Duran shot and killed Fortson, who was Black, at the door of Fortson's apartment. Duran has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter. That criminal case is pending. Crump outlined the lawsuit during a news conference Tuesday afternoon with Fortson family members in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. What is the lawsuit about? ADVERTISEMENT Crump says his lawsuit contends that Duran used 'excessive and unconstitutional deadly force' in the shooting. It also outlines what it calls failures of training and supervision at the sheriff's office and claim the apartment complex where Fortson was shot provided 'misleading, unverified information' that led to the violent response. How did the shooting unfold? Authorities say Duran had been directed to Fortson's Fort Walton Beach apartment in response to a domestic disturbance report that turned out to be false. After repeated knocking, Fortson opened the door while holding his handgun at his side, pointed down. Authorities say Duran shot him multiple times before telling Fortson to drop the gun. Who is Eddie Duran? Duran, 39, began his law enforcement career as a military police officer in the Army. An Oklahoma police department hired him in 2015 after his military discharge. He joined the Okaloosa County sheriff's office in 2019, resigned two years later and then rejoined the sheriff's office in 2023. ADVERTISEMENT Okaloosa Sheriff Eric Aden fired Duran after Fortson's death because an internal investigation concluded Duran's life was not in danger when he opened fire. Duran identifies as Hispanic, according to his voter registration. Who was Roger Fortson? Fortson grew up in Atlanta and joined the Air Force in 2019, the year he graduated from high school. The apartment complex where Fortson lived is about 8 miles (13 kilometers) from Hurlburt Field. He was assigned to the 4th Special Operations Squadron as a special missions aviator, where one of his roles was to load a gunship's 30 mm and 105 mm weapons. His death was one of a growing list of killings of Black people by law enforcement in their own homes. It also renewed debate over Florida's 'stand your ground' law. What is the status of the criminal case against Duran? ADVERTISEMENT The case is in the pretrial hearing phase, with a hearing on motions set for May 20. Duran is out of jail on bond. Who is Ben Crump? Crump, 55, is a well-known Black attorney based in Tallahassee, Florida, who has worked on numerous high-profile civil right cases and wrongful death lawsuits. His cases have included those involving other Black people who have been killed by law enforcement, including Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and Michael Brown. The Associated Press
Los Angeles Times
06-05-2025
- Los Angeles Times
Lawsuit filed over Florida deputy's shooting of U.S. airman who was killed in his own home
Chantemekki Fortson, mother of Roger Fortson, holds a photo of her son during a news conference, May 9, 2024, in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — Prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday against a former Florida sheriff's deputy and others for the May 2024 shooting death of 23-year-old U.S. Senior Airman Roger Fortson. Former Okaloosa County Sheriff's Deputy Eddie Duran shot and killed Fortson, who was Black, at the door of Fortson's apartment. Duran has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter. That criminal case is pending. Crump outlined the lawsuit during a news conference Tuesday afternoon with Fortson family members in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. Crump says his lawsuit contends that Duran used 'excessive and unconstitutional deadly force' in the shooting. It also outlines what it calls failures of training and supervision at the sheriff's office and claim the apartment complex where Fortson was shot provided 'misleading, unverified information' that led to the violent response. Authorities say Duran had been directed to Fortson's Fort Walton Beach apartment in response to a domestic disturbance report that turned out to be false. After repeated knocking, Fortson opened the door while holding his handgun at his side, pointed down. Authorities say Duran shot him multiple times before telling Fortson to drop the gun. Duran, 39, began his law enforcement career as a military police officer in the Army. An Oklahoma police department hired him in 2015 after his military discharge. He joined the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office in 2019, resigned two years later and then rejoined the sheriff's office in 2023. Okaloosa Sheriff Eric Aden fired Duran after Fortson's death because an internal investigation concluded Duran's life was not in danger when he opened fire. Duran identifies as Hispanic, according to his voter registration. Fortson grew up in Atlanta and joined the Air Force in 2019, the year he graduated from high school. The apartment complex where Fortson lived is about 8 miles from Hurlburt Field. He was assigned to the 4th Special Operations Squadron as a special missions aviator, where one of his roles was to load a gunship's 30 mm and 105 mm weapons. His death was one of a growing list of killings of Black people by law enforcement in their own homes. It also renewed debate over Florida's 'stand your ground' law. The case is in the pretrial hearing phase, with a hearing on motions set for May 20. Duran is out of jail on bond. Crump, 55, is a well-known Black attorney based in Tallahassee, Fla., who has worked on numerous high-profile civil rights cases and wrongful death lawsuits. His cases have included those involving other Black people who have been killed by law enforcement, including Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and Michael Brown. Sign up for Essential California The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
