In a rare criminal case against a law enforcement official in Florida, a sheriff's deputy has been charged with manslaughter with a firearm following the death of a Black U.S. Air Force senior airman. The incident occurred when the airman, identified as 23-year-old Roger Fortson, was fatally shot by former Okaloosa County deputy Eddie Duran on May 3. Assistant State Attorney Greg Marcille stated that Duran, 38, has been charged with a first-degree felony, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.

According to authorities, Duran had been responding to a false domestic disturbance report at Fortson's Fort Walton Beach apartment. After repeated knocking, Fortson opened the door while holding a handgun pointed toward the ground. It was at this point that Duran allegedly fired multiple shots at Fortson without instructing him to drop his weapon. Only after the shots were fired did Duran reportedly command Fortson to drop the gun.

Following an internal investigation by the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Eric Aden terminated Duran's employment on May 31, concluding that his life was not in immediate danger when he opened fire. The decision to charge Duran comes as a reminder to law enforcement officers of the consequences of their actions, particularly when it results in the loss of a life.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents Fortson's family, expressed his views on the development, stating, "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 local branch president of the NAACP, Sabu Williams, also acknowledged the significance of the charges, describing it as the best outcome in this particular case.

Duran, who identified himself as Hispanic on his voter registration, remains at large as a warrant has been issued for his arrest. Duran's attorney, John Whitaker, has yet to provide a comment on the charges leveled against his client.

This case stands out as a rare occurrence in Florida, as it is highly unusual for law enforcement officers to face charges for on-duty killings. Prior to this incident, only four cases of law enforcement officials being charged for such incidents have occurred in the state over the past 35 years, with only one resulting in a conviction. Notably, four Miami-Dade officers were recently indicted on manslaughter charges in connection with a shootout that left multiple individuals dead.

As the community mourns the loss of Roger Fortson, candles and framed photos in his honor adorn the doorway of the apartment where he tragically lost his life.