# Florida deputy acquittal in Airman shooting

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/florida-deputy-acquittal-in-airman-shooting
> Updated: 2026-10-05T00:01:15.000Z. Sources: 23. Developments: 2.

A Florida jury has acquitted former Okaloosa County deputy Eddie Duran of manslaughter charges regarding the May 2024 shooting death of U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Roger Fortson. The incident occurred when Duran responded to a domestic disturbance call at Fortson’s apartment. Body camera footage showed Duran pounding on the door before opening fire shortly after Fortson opened it while holding a handgun pointed toward the floor.

Duran testified that he perceived an “aggressive stare” and believed his life was in immediate danger. Although the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office previously fired Duran, stating his use of deadly force was not objectively reasonable, the jury reached a verdict of not guilty following approximately two hours of deliberations.

In response to the acquittal, civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing the Fortson family, described the verdict as a “painful moment” and announced intentions to pursue a federal civil rights lawsuit to seek accountability.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-05: Florida deputy acquitted of manslaughter in Airman Roger Fortson killing

A Florida jury acquitted former deputy Eddie Duran of manslaughter in the fatal shooting of U.S. Airman Roger Fortson. The victim's family plans to pursue a federal civil rights lawsuit.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/florida-deputy-acquitted-of-manslaughter-in-airman-roger-fortson-killing

### 2026-10-02: Florida deputy acquitted in manslaughter trial for killing U.S. Airman

A Florida jury acquitted former deputy Eddie Duran of manslaughter in the 2024 shooting death of U.S. Air Force Airman Roger Fortson.

20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/florida-jury-acquits-former-deputy-in-killing-of-air-force-airman

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Cite as: Florida deputy acquittal in Airman shooting. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/florida-deputy-acquittal-in-airman-shooting