Florida deputy acquitted of manslaughter in Airman Roger Fortson killing

A Florida jury has acquitted former Okaloosa County deputy Eddie Duran of manslaughter in the May 2024 shooting death of 23-year-old U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Roger Fortson. The verdict followed approximately two hours of deliberations.

The incident occurred when Duran responded to an alleged domestic disturbance call and attempted to enter Fortson’s apartment. Bodycam footage showed Duran pounding on the door before opening fire within seconds of Fortson opening it. While Fortson was holding a legally owned firearm pointed toward the floor, Duran testified that he perceived an “aggressive stare” and believed his life was in danger, claiming the weapon was pointed at an “upward angle.”

Following the acquittal, Fortson’s family and civil rights attorney Ben Crump announced they will proceed with a federal civil rights lawsuit to seek accountability.