Deputy Sued Over Fatal Shooting of Airman

The family of U.S. Senior Airman Roger Fortson has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against former Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy Eddie Duran and the sheriff’s department following Fortson’s fatal shooting in his apartment earlier this year. The civil suit alleges excessive use of force and gross negligence during what police later admitted was a response to the wrong residence.

Fortson, 23, was stationed at Hurlburt Field in Florida and had no criminal record. On the day of the shooting, a 911 call reporting a domestic disturbance led Deputy Duran to Fortson’s apartment. According to the lawsuit and body camera footage, Duran knocked on the door, shouted a brief command, and fired multiple shots within seconds of Fortson opening the door.

The footage reportedly shows Fortson holding a legally owned firearm at his side but making no threatening movements. Attorneys for the Fortson family argue he was startled and attempting to identify the unexpected visitor. The bullet wounds proved fatal, and Fortson died at the scene.

The family’s legal team, led by prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump, contends that the deputy’s actions were not only reckless but also part of a pattern of racial bias and poor training within the department. Crump has emphasized that Fortson’s status as an active-duty airman and legal gun owner was ignored in a rush to use deadly force.

The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages and calls for the release of all investigation records. It also demands federal oversight of the sheriff’s department’s use-of-force policies. The case has drawn national attention and protests from veterans’ groups, civil rights organizations, and military personnel.

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has expressed condolences but defended the deputy’s initial actions as a response to a perceived threat. Deputy Duran resigned after the shooting, and the department claims it is cooperating with state and federal investigations.

Legal analysts believe the family may have a strong case, particularly if evidence confirms that the deputy fired without proper identification or de-escalation attempts. The shooting has reignited debates about qualified immunity, racial profiling, and the training standards for officers responding to civilian calls involving legal firearm possession.

Fortson’s family has vowed to pursue justice not only for their son but to prevent future incidents. “Roger served his country honorably,” said his mother during a press conference. “He deserved to feel safe in his home. We won’t rest until there’s accountability.”

If the lawsuit prevails, it could lead to broader reforms in how law enforcement agencies handle calls involving potential weapons, particularly in states with strong Second Amendment protections. The outcome may also influence ongoing federal efforts to restrict qualified immunity for law enforcement officers.