Florida deputy acquitted in manslaughter trial for killing U.S. Airman

A Florida jury has acquitted former Okaloosa County deputy Eddie Duran of manslaughter charges in the May 2024 shooting death of 23-year-old U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Roger Fortson. Duran had faced up to 30 years in prison for the incident.

The shooting occurred when Duran responded to a domestic disturbance call at Fortson’s apartment, which authorities later determined was a false report. Body camera footage showed Duran banging on the door before Fortson opened it while holding a handgun pointed toward the floor. Duran immediately opened fire, striking Fortson multiple times. Duran testified that he perceived aggression in Fortson’s eyes and believed his life was in immediate danger.

Following the incident, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office fired Duran, stating his use of deadly force was not objectively reasonable. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing the Fortson family, expressed that the verdict is a “painful moment” and announced intentions to pursue a federal civil rights lawsuit to seek accountability.