In a heart-wrenching interview, Meka Fortson, the mother of Senior Airman Roger Fortson, who was tragically shot and killed by police on May 3, speaks out about her son's shocking death. Fortson, a 23-year-old model citizen and dedicated airman, had recently returned from a deployment overseas, only to meet a tragic end in his own apartment.

Expressing disbelief and overwhelming grief, Meka Fortson told Military.com in an exclusive interview that her son had bravely fought for his country, only to be "murdered, slain so violently." She implores the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office to provide transparency and reveal the truth about her son's final moments.

According to a statement released by the sheriff's office on May 4, deputies were responding to a reported disturbance. However, civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who has been retained by the Fortson family, disputes this claim. Crump argues that there was no disturbance, and Roger Fortson was home alone, engaged in a video call with another person who witnessed the events unfold.

Crump reveals that after hearing a knock on his door and receiving no response to his inquiry of "Who is it?", Fortson grabbed his legally owned firearm in response to an "aggressive" second knock and seeing no one through the peephole. It is important to note that Florida's lenient firearm laws allowed Fortson, as a service member, to possess a gun without the obligation of safety courses.

Contrary to the sheriff's office's self-defense narrative, Crump asserts that Fortson was a model citizen and a highly trained individual who posed no threat. He emphasizes that no gunfire was exchanged during the incident. Eyewitness accounts also detail Fortson saying "I can't breathe" after being shot, echoing the last words of George Floyd that sparked nationwide protests against police brutality.

The police radio audio, reviewed by Military.com, mentions a call for disturbance at an apartment complex. Soon after, deputies reported "shots fired, suspect down," and Fortson was taken to the hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The circumstances surrounding the alleged disturbance remain undisclosed.

The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office has been met with public scrutiny before when a deputy fired his weapon at a detained suspect, mistaking the sound of an acorn hitting his vehicle for gunfire. Crump insists that the department take responsibility for its actions, urging them to acknowledge any wrongdoing. He also criticizes the deputies for failing to identify themselves when entering Fortson's apartment.

Senior Airman Roger Fortson, a valued member of the U.S. Air Force, had dreams of becoming a pilot and was described as a rising star among his peers. The tragic loss has left his 16-year-old brother and 10-year-old sister without their beloved brother and role model.

In response to the incident, Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden released a statement expressing sadness and calling for a thorough investigation. He placed the deputy involved on administrative leave and requested the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the State Attorney's Office to conduct independent reviews.

As the investigation continues, the Fortson family, the local community, and advocates for justice eagerly await answers and accountability for the loss of a promising young life. Meanwhile, Meka Fortson continues to mourn the precious gift that was taken away from her, calling for justice on behalf of her beloved son.