Brief
Jury acquits former Okaloosa deputy in shooting of Air Force airman Roger Fortson
The verdict ends a high‑profile case that sparked national debate over law‑enforcement use of force.
By Felo News Desk · Published
An Okaloosa County jury on Thursday acquitted former sheriff’s deputy Eddie Duran of manslaughter with a firearm in the fatal shooting of Black U.S. Air Force airman Senior Airman Roger Fortson.
What happened
Duran, a 38‑year‑old Hispanic deputy, responded to a domestic‑disturbance call at Fortson’s Fort Walton Beach apartment near Hurlburt Field on May 2024. Body‑camera footage shows Duran knocking on the door, shouting “Sheriff’s office! Open the door!” Fortson opened the door holding a handgun pointed downward. Duran ordered “Step back!” and fired, then shouted “Drop the gun! Drop the gun!” Fortson replied, “I don’t have it,” before collapsing. Paramedics were called, and Fortson later died at a hospital.
What the reports add
The Independent notes that the domestic‑disturbance report that sent Duran to the apartment was later deemed false, and that Fortson was alone and on the phone with his girlfriend at the time of the shooting. The State Attorney’s office said the jury’s verdict means the prosecution did not meet the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. The office also acknowledged the verdict could cause pain and anger, especially among those viewing Fortson’s death in the broader national context of police encounters.
What was said
The State Attorney’s office released a statement saying, “We understand that this verdict will cause pain, anger, or disappointment for many people, particularly some members of the community who view Senior Airman Fortson’s death within a context of encounters nationally involving law enforcement.” Duran’s attorney Rod Smith told the Associated Press, “None of this needed to happen… Deputy Duran, himself, was also a victim of a terrible tragedy. He had followed his training.”
How it came about
Duran had been fired after an internal investigation concluded his life was not in danger when he shot Fortson. The shooting sparked protests and national media coverage, highlighting tensions over law‑enforcement use of force. The verdict ends the criminal trial, though civil actions may still be pursued.
Key facts
- Eddie Duran was acquitted of manslaughter with a firearm. (independent.co.uk)
- The shooting occurred during a domestic‑disturbance call at Fortson’s apartment in Fort Walton Beach. (independent.co.uk)
- Body‑camera video captured the exchange before Duran fired. (independent.co.uk)
- The State Attorney’s office said the prosecution failed to prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. (independent.co.uk)
- Duran’s attorney Rod Smith described the incident as a police‑safety issue. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Jury acquits fired Florida sheriff's deputy in killing of Black U. S. Airforce Airman Roger Fortson”
