Ex-Florida sheriff deputy Eddie Duran was recently charged with manslaughter with a firearm for the murder of Senior Airman Roger Fortson.
Announced on Thursday, Duran could potentially face up to 30 years in prison if convicted of the first-degree felony charge. According to Assistant State Attorney Greg Marcille, he is not in custody yet, but a warrant has been issued for his arrest and officials are waiting for the ex-deputy to turn himself in.
On May 3, Duran went to 23-year-old Roger Forton’s house after a false claim of domestic disturbance was reported. Viewed on the body camera pinned to the officer, he then met with the apartment manager who led him to Forton’s apartment and said that there were often arguments; Fortson lived alone and had no one over the day he was murdered.
Duran then proceeded to listen for voices for 20 seconds, although none were picked up by his body camera. He then continued to pound on the door without identifying himself.
Fortson’s girlfriend, who was on a call with him when Duran shot at him, said that they never heard him announce himself as being with the sheriff’s office. Fortson was hesitant to open the door, saying that no one visits his apartment.
As Duran continued to knock, according to his girlfriend, the 23-year-old went to grab his gun because he was unsure of who was at the door; when he opened the door with the firearm in hand, Duran yelled at him and began to fire his own gun at Fortson.
After he shot him, the deputy yelled at Fortson, telling him to drop the weaponry to which Fortson replied that it was already “over there.” Fortson passed away a short time later at the hospital as a result of his wounds.
“Nothing can ever bring Roger back, and our fight is far from over, but we are hopeful that this arrest and these charges will result in real justice for the Fortson family,” said civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing the Fortson family, per a press release. “Let this be a reminder to law enforcement officers everywhere that they swore a solemn oath to protect and defend, and their actions have consequences, especially when it results in the loss of life.”
The announcement that Duran will be charged with manslaughter comes two weeks after Ohio police officer Connor Grubb was indicted on similar charges for the shooting of 21-year-old Ta’Kiya Young.
The Blendon Township police officer approached the pregnant woman, and when she rolled her car forward, he proceeded to fire a bullet through the windshield into her chest, killing her and the daughter she was carrying.
A warrant was issued for Grubb’s arrest and he is now on trial for numerous charges including manslaughter, one year after Young’s death.
