Grieving Mother Demands Answers Nearly 2 Years After Florida Deputy Fatally Shot Airman

February 13, 2026

Nearly two years after 23-year-old U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Roger Fortson was fatally shot by a Florida sheriff's deputy, his mother is working to keep public attention on the case and seeking accountability to prevent similar incidents. The shooting occurred in May 2024 when Deputy Eddie Duran responded to a domestic violence call at Fortson's Fort Walton Beach apartment and was captured on body camera footage. Duran was subsequently fired by the Okaloosa County Sheriff and charged with manslaughter with a firearm, representing one of the rare criminal cases against a Florida law enforcement officer.

Who is affected

Senior Airman Roger Fortson (deceased victim, age 23)
Chantimekki Fortson (Roger Fortson's mother)
Roger Fortson's family from Georgia
Deputy Eddie Duran (fired deputy, age 38, charged with manslaughter)
Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office
Sheriff Eric Aden (who fired Duran)
Hundreds of Air Force members who mourned at the funeral

What action is being taken

A federal lawsuit is ongoing, with civil rights attorney Ben Crump representing Fortson's family
Fortson's mother is holding a news conference to maintain public awareness of the case
Legal proceedings are ongoing (referenced as "ongoing legal proceedings")

Why it matters

This case represents a rare instance of criminal accountability for a Florida law enforcement officer, as Deputy Duran faces manslaughter charges carrying up to 30 years in prison. The family's continued advocacy highlights the broader issue of preventing similar fatal encounters between law enforcement and civilians. For Fortson's mother, the case is significant not only for seeking justice for her son but also for understanding how the tragedy could have been prevented and ensuring it doesn't happen to other families in the future.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint