In a significant development, a former deputy with the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office in Florida, Eddie Duran, has been charged with manslaughter with a firearm in connection with the shooting death of senior airman Roger Fortson. The incident took place on May 3, when Duran responded to a false domestic disturbance report at Fortson's Fort Walton Beach apartment.

The charge of manslaughter with a firearm is a first-degree felony, carrying a potential prison sentence of up to 30 years. The charge was announced by Assistant State Attorney Greg Marcille, who also revealed that a warrant has been issued for Duran's arrest. However, as of Friday afternoon, Duran was not yet in custody.

The victim, 23-year-old Roger Fortson, was a member of the US Air Force and was Black. Duran is listed as Hispanic on his voter registration, and the charging documents released on Friday also identify him as Hispanic. The local branch president of the NAACP, Sabu Williams, expressed satisfaction with the charges, stating that manslaughter was an appropriate charge for the case.

Authorities have disclosed that Duran had gone to Fortson's apartment following the false domestic disturbance report. Upon repeated knocking, Fortson opened the door while holding his handgun at his side, pointed downward. It was at this moment that Duran fired multiple shots at Fortson before instructing him to drop the gun.

Following an internal investigation, Okaloosa Sheriff Eric Aden fired Duran on May 31, concluding that Duran's life was not in danger when he opened fire. Duran's attorney, John Whitaker, did not provide immediate comment in response to the charges.

It is worth noting that it is highly unusual for law enforcement officers in Florida to be charged for on-duty killings. Prior to this case, such charges have only occurred four times in the past 35 years, and only one officer has been convicted. However, public scrutiny and demand for police accountability are increasingly pushing for justice in cases involving officer-involved shootings.

The incident involving Duran and Fortson follows recent high-profile cases where law enforcement officers in Florida have faced manslaughter charges. Four Miami-Dade officers were indicted on manslaughter charges after a shootout with robbers that resulted in the deaths of a UPS driver and a passerby. Additionally, three police officers from Crestview in Okaloosa County are awaiting trial on manslaughter charges for the 2021 death of Calvin Wilks Jr, who died after being allegedly jolted with a stun gun. The officers have pleaded not guilty in that case.

The charges against Duran serve as another reminder of the need for accountability and scrutiny when it comes to the use of force by law enforcement officers. As this case progresses, it will be closely watched by advocates for police reform and justice for victims of officer-involved shootings.