In a significant development, a former Okaloosa County sheriff's deputy in Florida has been charged with manslaughter in the death of Roger Fortson, a Black airman who was tragically killed while peacefully at home. The shooting incident, which occurred in early May, sparked widespread condemnation and demands for justice.

The Okaloosa County State Attorney's Office confirmed on Friday that Eddie Lee Duran Jr., the former deputy, has been charged with one count of manslaughter with a firearm in relation to the shooting death of Roger Fortson. Assistant State Attorney Greg Marcille further stated that an arrest warrant for Duran has been issued.

The decision to press charges was applauded by civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing Fortson's family. Crump underlined that although nothing can bring Roger back, this is a significant step towards justice. He also emphasized that the fight for justice is far from over.

Roger Fortson's mother, Meka Fortson, has been unwavering in her pursuit of justice for her son. She has made numerous trips from Atlanta, the family's home, to Fort Walton Beach, Florida, seeking to clear her son's name. Following his untimely death, the Air Force offered support to the grieving family, and Vice President Kamala Harris reached out to express her sympathy.

Investigators have revealed that at the time of the incident, Fortson, 23, was alone with his small dog in his apartment, engaging in a FaceTime conversation with his girlfriend. Duran, responding to a 911 call reporting a domestic disturbance, forcefully knocked on Fortson's door, identifying himself as a police officer. Notably, no disturbance could be heard on Duran's body camera footage.

Feeling alarmed by the aggressive knocking, Fortson retrieved his handgun from another room before opening the door. Duran's body camera video shows Fortson opening the door with the gun down by his side. Shockingly, within seconds, Duran fired six shots, fatally striking Fortson.

Duran, 38, claimed that he perceived aggression in Fortson's eyes, leading him to believe that he was in imminent danger. However, the Okaloosa County sheriff's office concluded that Duran's use of force was not objectively reasonable, resulting in his termination from the department at the end of May.

In a statement released on Friday, the sheriff's office conveyed their condolences to the Fortson family and expressed their hope that the criminal case against the former deputy would bring them some measure of comfort and peace.

As for Duran, his attorney John Whitaker has yet to comment on the charges brought against him.

Meka Fortson has described her late son as a model citizen who joined the Air Force to support his family and was a mentor to his two younger siblings. Sadly, the Fortson family experienced further tragedy in July when Roger's 16-year-old brother, Andre, was also fatally shot near their Atlanta apartment complex. Reports indicate that Andre was caught in the crossfire of a shooting incident, resulting in the arrest of a 20-year-old man on charges of aggravated assault.

Roger Fortson, a special missions aviator assigned to the 4th Special Operations Squadron, hailed from Atlanta and joined the Air Force after graduating high school.

The manslaughter charge against Eddie Lee Duran Jr. is a first-degree felony that carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. The case is now set to proceed through the criminal justice system as advocates and supporters continue their fight for justice on behalf of the Fortson family.