Former Florida deputy charged with manslaughter after killing Air Force soldier in his apartment

Aug. 23 (UPI) – Fired Okaloosa County, Florida, deputy sheriff Eddie Duran was charged Friday with manslaughter in connection with the shooting death of Air Force soldier Roger Fortson, who was killed in his own home.

Gregory Anchors, Okaloosa County Assistant District Attorney, confirmed the manslaughter charge against Duran, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.

District Attorney Ginger Brown Madden said a warrant had been issued for Duran's arrest.

Madden's office said in a statement Friday: “State Attorney Ginger Bowden Madden announced today that a direct charge has been filed against former Okaloosa County Sheriff's Deputy Eddie Lee Duran Jr. for manslaughter with a firearm.”

The allegation stems from an incident on May 3, 2024, which led to Fortson's death.

Duran will be charged in Oklahoma County District Court.

Duran was fired on May 31 for killing Fortson seconds after Fortson opened his apartment door. Fortson was holding a legal handgun at the time, but did not point the gun at the deputy.

The deputy responded to a call at the door and shot Fortson on May 4.

When the deputy was fired, Sheriff Eric Aden said in a statement, “This tragic incident should never have happened.”

Ben Crump, the attorney for Fortson's family, said at Duran's dismissal: “The actions of this deputy were not only negligent, they were criminal.”

Crump said the video footage “provides damning evidence that this was the brutal and senseless killing of a young man who was simply enjoying time alone with his dog while video chatting with his girlfriend.”