Family of Slain Airman Files Lawsuit Against Deputy and Sheriff Following Fatal Shooting
The family of Roger Fortson, a 23-year-old U.S. airman, is suing a deputy and sheriff for his wrongful death after being shot in his home.
Overview
The family of Roger Fortson, a Black U.S. airman shot dead by a Florida deputy, filed a civil rights lawsuit. They allege excessive force by Deputy Eddie Duran, who responded to a false domestic disturbance call. Fortson opened his door with a gun in hand, leading to his fatal shooting. The lawsuit cites failures in training and supervision by the sheriff's office. This incident has sparked renewed debate about police killings and racial issues in law enforcement, particularly concerning the military's focus on these issues.
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Analysis
- The family of airman Roger Fortson is pursuing a lawsuit against law enforcement for his wrongful death, claiming excessive force was used by Deputy Eddie Duran when he shot Fortson in his own home after responding to a false disturbance report.
- Duran's actions and the response of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office have raised concerns about police training and accountability, particularly regarding racial issues,
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Associated Press·2M·FAQ
As of now, there is no specific public response from the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office directly addressing the allegations of insufficient training and oversight detailed in the lawsuit. The lawsuit claims the sheriff's office failed to properly train and supervise deputies, contributing to the fatal incident.
Deputy Eddie Duran was responding to a report of a physical fight or loud argument at the Elan Apartments in Fort Walton Beach. A staff member at the apartment complex identified Fortson's apartment as the location, but the report later proved to be unfounded; Fortson was alone, talking on a FaceTime call with his girlfriend at the time.
Deputy Eddie Duran has pleaded not guilty to a charge of manslaughter with a firearm in connection with the shooting of Roger Fortson.
Roger Fortson's death is being discussed in the context of ongoing national debates about police use of force, especially involving Black individuals, and the military's interest in addressing racial issues and wrongful killings by law enforcement.
The lawsuit and body camera footage indicate that Deputy Duran fired multiple shots at Fortson mere seconds after he opened the door to his apartment with a gun in hand, pointed downward. The lawsuit asserts that Fortson did not present a threat at the time he was shot.
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