In a significant development, the former Okaloosa County sheriff's deputy, Eddie Duran, who shot and killed senior U.S. airman Roger Fortson in his own home, has been charged with manslaughter. The Okaloosa County, Florida, State Attorney's Office confirmed the charges on Friday, stating that Duran will face one count of manslaughter with a firearm.

The assistant state attorney for Okaloosa County, Gregory Marcille, explained that the charge carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. However, the State Attorney's Office declined to provide further comments as the investigation is still ongoing. It was revealed that there is an outstanding warrant for Duran's arrest.

The decision made by the state attorney's office has been regarded as a significant step towards justice for Fortson's family. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents Fortson's family, expressed their hope that this arrest and the subsequent charges would lead to the real justice they seek. Crump acknowledged that while nothing can bring Roger back, they will continue to fight for justice.

In response to the charges against Duran, the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Department reiterated their decision to terminate him, stating that his use of force was not objectively reasonable. The department conveyed its accountability and transparency, mentioning their compliance with statutory requirements, the release of body-worn camera footage, and communication with Fortson's family, legal counsel, the U.S. Air Force, and the community at large.

The incident occurred on May 3 when deputies from the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office responded to a disturbance call at Fortson's apartment. The identity of the person who placed the call remains unspecified. Fortson was alone in his apartment, on a FaceTime call with his girlfriend, when Duran approached his door.

Body camera footage captured Duran knocking on Fortson's door and identifying himself as law enforcement. Fortson appeared while holding a gun pointed towards the ground. Without delay, Duran fired multiple shots, fatally injuring Fortson. He was subsequently taken to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries.

According to Fortson's family lawyers, a complaint regarding an apartment was mentioned, but it was unrelated to Fortson. They argued that Fortson did not hear Duran announce himself and grabbed his gun for self-protection. They further contended that Duran was not meant to go to Fortson's apartment in the first place.

Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden initially stated that Duran acted in self-defense while facing an "armed man." However, following an internal affairs investigation, Duran was fired on May 31. The investigation concluded that his use of deadly force was not objectively reasonable and violated the agency's policy. Sheriff Aden expressed that the tragic incident should have never occurred, as Fortson had not committed any crime and was highly regarded as an exceptional airman and individual.

Despite Duran's termination being seen as a step forward, Ben Crump emphasized that it does not guarantee complete justice for Fortson and his family. Crump vowed to keep fighting for justice and accountability not only in Fortson's case but also for every innocent Black person who has been unlawfully gunned down by law enforcement in the presumed safety of their own homes.

Tragically, two months after Roger Fortson's death, his 16-year-old brother, Andre, was also fatally shot at an apartment complex in Atlanta. Andre Fortson was pronounced dead at the scene, and the motive behind the shooting remains unknown. On August 1, authorities in DeKalb County, Georgia, arrested Quintavious Zellner, 20, on aggravated assault charges in connection with Andre Fortson's death.

As investigations continue, the charges against Duran mark a significant development in the pursuit of justice for Roger Fortson and his grieving family.