In a significant development, former Okaloosa County Deputy Sheriff Eddie Lee Duran, Jr. has been charged with one count of manslaughter with a firearm in relation to the shooting death of U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Roger Fortson. The incident occurred on May 3, 2024, when Duran was responding to reports of a possible domestic dispute at Fortson's Fort Walton Beach apartment.

According to the body camera footage released by the Sheriff's Office, Fortson, armed with a handgun, opened the door in response to Duran's knock. However, instead of posing a threat, Fortson appeared to point the gun towards the floor, indicating no intention to harm Duran. Tragically, Duran shot Fortson almost immediately after entering the apartment, resulting in his fatal injury.

The family of Roger Fortson is now demanding answers and justice, nearly three months after the deadly shooting. They seek accountability for the actions that led to the untimely demise of the 23-year-old Airman, who was stationed at the Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field.

As of Friday afternoon, a warrant for Duran's arrest was outstanding. If convicted as charged, Duran could face a maximum sentence of 30 years in state prison, according to the State Attorney's Office.

The initial response from the authorities had suggested that Duran acted in self-defense when confronted by an armed individual. However, a witness who was on a Facetime call with Fortson during the incident disputes this claim. The witness stated that Fortson was alone in his apartment when he heard a knock at the door. Despite receiving no response to his question of "Who is it?", Fortson retrieved his legally owned gun for self-protection. Moments later, deputies forced their way into the apartment and Duran fired six shots at Fortson upon seeing the gun.

The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office conducted an internal affairs investigation and subsequently terminated Duran's employment. Captain Robert Wagner, from the Office of Professional Standards, concluded that Duran's use of deadly force violated policy. The investigation also determined that Fortson did not make any hostile or attacking moves that would have justified the use of lethal force.

Duran, a former military police officer with combat experience in Iraq, had returned to law enforcement after receiving training and working as a police officer in Oklahoma.

As the case progresses, the focus now shifts to justice for Roger Fortson's family. The former deputy's criminal case must shed light on the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident and provide closure to a grieving family.