Civil rights lawyer Ben Crump is urging Florida State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden to take action against former sheriff’s deputy Eddie Duran, who fatally shot U.S. Senior Airman Roger Fortson. The incident occurred on May 3, with Duran allegedly responding to the wrong apartment during a disturbance call. However, the Okaloosa Sheriff’s Office contests this narrative.
Crump is optimistic about possible charges against Duran, yet he expressed concern that Duran might evade accountability and move to another law enforcement agency.
This call for justice comes tragically soon after Fortson’s brother, Andre, was also shot and killed in Atlanta, while he was an innocent bystander.
What Happened to Roger Fortson?
The incident began when a deputy responded to a disturbance report, claiming self-defense after encountering Fortson, who was legally armed. The shootout occurred around 4:30 p.m. at Fortson’s off-base apartment, where he was alone and on FaceTime with his girlfriend when he heard knocking at the door.
Eyewitness accounts mentioned Fortson was compliant, holding his firearm down and posing no threat. Crump highlighted the troubling nature of the incident during Fortson’s funeral, stating, “If he can’t be safe in his own home, where can he be safe?”
Records show excessive domestic disturbance calls at a neighboring apartment, raising questions about the accuracy of the deputy’s response. “Roger Fortson’s death was unnecessary,” Crump declared, emphasizing the need for accountability in law enforcement.
Okaloosa Sheriff Eric Aden strongly refuted Crump’s claims regarding mistaken identity, aiming to protect Fortson’s reputation as a dedicated airman and patriot. Fortson had bravely served in Syria and had received commendations such as the Air Medal in 2023.
Who is Eddie Duran?
Eddie Duran, a former military police officer and deputy, had a varied career in law enforcement, most recently employed by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. After resigning in 2021 for personal reasons, he returned to his position in June 2023.
Duran underwent training for response to resistance, and the investigation noted his policies were breached during the incident. Ultimately, he was dismissed from his position in June after being found to have used unreasonable deadly force during the shooting of Fortson.
This tragic situation underscores the urgent need for accountability within policing to prevent similar incidents in the future. Crump articulated the importance of justice for Fortson’s family and the broader community.