Ex-sheriff’s deputy charged in fatal shooting of Florida airman

CRESTVIEW, Fla. — A Florida Panhandle sheriff’s deputy is dealing with a cost of manslaughter with a firearm in reference to the deadly capturing of an airman who opened his condo door whereas holding a gun.

Former Okaloosa County deputy Eddie Duran was charged Friday within the Might 3 capturing dying of Senior Airman Roger Fortson, Assistant State Lawyer Greg Marcille mentioned Friday. That may be a first-degree felony punishable by as much as 30 years in jail.

Marcille mentioned a warrant has been issued for Duran’s arrest however he was not in custody as of early Friday afternoon. Fortson, 23, was Black.

“I feel that is the perfect that we might have hoped for on this specific case,” mentioned Sabu Williams, president of the native department of the NAACP.

“I consider that the cost is suitable,” Williams instructed The Related Press. “I feel manslaughter was proper on level.”

Authorities say Duran had been directed to Fortson’s Fort Walton Seaside condo in response to a home disturbance report that turned out to be false.

After repeated knocking, Fortson opened the door whereas holding his handgun at his aspect, pointed down. Authorities say that Duran shot him a number of instances; solely then did he inform Fortson to drop the gun.

Okaloosa Sheriff Eric Aden fired Duran on Might 31 after an inside investigation concluded his life was not in peril when he opened fireplace.

Duran’s lawyer, John Whitaker, didn’t instantly reply to a telephone name and electronic mail searching for remark.

It’s extremely uncommon for Florida regulation enforcement officers to be charged for an on-duty killing — it has solely occurred 4 instances within the final 35 years earlier than Friday. Even then, solely a type of officers has been convicted.

4 Miami-Dade officers have been not too long ago indicted on manslaughter expenses in reference to a shootout with two robbers who hijacked a UPS truck. The shootout left the UPS driver and a passerby lifeless together with the hijackers.

Three cops within the Okaloosa County city of Crestview are awaiting trial on manslaughter expenses for the 2021 dying of Calvin Wilks Jr., who died after they allegedly jolted him with a stun gun. These officers have pleaded not responsible.