Former deputy charged with shooting of Georgia pilot

OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. – A former Florida sheriff's deputy has been charged with manslaughter after killing a pilot in his own home.

Eddie Duran, a former Okaloosa County Sheriff’s deputy, was charged with manslaughter after Senior Pilot Roger Fortsonoriginally from the Atlanta metropolitan area, was shot dead on May 4, according to prosecutors.

Prosecutors confirmed Friday that Duran will face charges of manslaughter with a firearm.

This is a first-degree felony that, according to the charging documents, can carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.

Prosecutor Greg Marcille said an arrest warrant has been issued for Duran, but he is not currently in custody.

Fortson, who was stationed in the Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, was shot and killed in his Fort Walton Beach apartment in May.

Authorities said Duran was sent to Fortson's Fort Walton Beach apartment because of a domestic disturbance report that turned out to be false.

After repeated knocks, Fortson opened the door while holding his gun down. Authorities say Duran shot him multiple times before ordering Fortson to drop the gun.

Duran was fired from the sheriff's office on May 31 after the sheriff's office launched an internal investigation.

Fortson's family and civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents Fortson's family, had denied that the deputy sheriff acted in self-defense.

Crump said Fortson was shot six times.

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