Mother of Air Force Airman Killed by Florida Deputy Demands Criminal Charges

At a press conference on Monday morning, the mom of an Air Force airman killed by a Florida sheriff's deputy last month enforced that the deputy faces criminal liabilities.

Florida Deputy Shot Senior Airman Roger Fortson

The Okaloosa Sheriff's Office terminated Deputy Eddie Duran, who shot Senior Airman Roger Fortson on May 3, according to a statement.

"I want justice for my son. Firing him isn't enough. Revoke his credentials and pension," said Chantemekki Fortson, Roger Fortson's mother, during the press conference in Atlanta, Georgia.

She pressed for charges to be filed against the deputy. Roger Fortson, 23, was shot by Duran while in his house in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where Duran was answering a domestic commotion call, the sheriff's office reported.

Body camera footage issued by the sheriff's office shows Fortson holding a gun with his right arm down and the muzzle pointed at the floor as he opens the door.

The footage also shows Fortson raising his left hand, palm open, towards the deputy, who declared his presence twice.

Duran shot Fortson seconds after the door opened, leading to Fortson's death from his injuries.

Duran stated in an interview with the sheriff's office that he saw Fortson armed with a gun, took a step towards him, and had an aggressive look in his eyes. A search of the apartment found no other individuals present.

Mother of the Air Force Airman Conveyed her Incredulity

Chantemekki Fortson expressed her disbelief on social media, stating, "He would never have an aggressive look in his eyes. Roger was helping to raise his 16-year-old brother."

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing the Fortson family, said at the press conference that the deputy had gone to the wrong apartment.

"Roger was alone in the apartment with his dog, Chloe, video-chatting with his girlfriend. There was no domestic dispute," Crump said.

Fortson's girlfriend, who wished to remain anonymous for safety reasons, told last month that they were discussing weekend plans when the shooting occurred.

Duran was placed on administrative leave during the investigation. The sheriff's office stated on May 9 that Duran reacted in self-defense after hearing sounds of a disturbance and encountering Fortson armed with a gun, despite identifying himself as law enforcement.

Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden announced Duran's termination on Friday, stating, "This tragic incident should never have happened.

The facts do not justify the use of deadly force. Mr. Fortson committed no crime and was an outstanding airman and individual."

The Florida state attorney's office did not answer to latest request for comment but formerly announced they would wait for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to complete their inspection before deciding on liabilities.

The FDLE inspection is continuous. "Our role is to investigate the deputy's use of force and present our findings to the local state attorney's office," the FDLE stated, emphasizing that their investigations are thorough and without a set timeline for completion.