Former Okaloosa County Deputy Sheriff Eddie Duran Jr., 38, was given a $100,000 bond after being charged with manslaughter for fatally shooting U.S. Air Force senior airman Roger Fortson. Duran faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted. Initially denied bail, Duran’s defense argued for his release, emphasizing his career of helping and saving people. The court also imposed restrictions on Duran, such as surrendering his weapons and staying in the First Judicial Circuit area of Florida.
Duran’s body camera footage showed him shooting Fortson, who answered the door with a gun in his hand during a domestic disturbance call. Fortson’s family, along with civil rights attorney Ben Crump, demanded justice for months before Duran was charged. The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, which fired Duran after finding his actions unreasonable, supported the criminal charges against him.
Duran has a background in military service and law enforcement, having worked in both the Army and as a police officer before joining the sheriff’s office in Florida. The tragic shooting incident has sparked national attention and calls for accountability in law enforcement actions. Charging Duran was seen as a step towards justice for the Fortson family, according to advocates. The sheriff’s office continues to stand by its decision to terminate Duran and expresses sympathy for Fortson’s family as the case proceeds in court.
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