OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG) – A federal wrongful loss of life lawsuit on behalf of the household of 23-year-old U.S. Airman Roger Fortson, has been filed simply days after the anniversary of his loss of life.
Civil Rights lawyer Ben Crump introduced the submitting alongside relations of Roger Fortson at a press convention in Fort Walton Seashore Tuesday.
“We’re right here to declare that this veteran life issues. That lawful gun possession in your individual dwelling can not equate to the loss of life sentence,” Crump mentioned.
Fortson was shot and killed inside his residence on the Elan residence advanced by former Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy Eddie Duran on Might 3, 2024.
Authorities mentioned Duran had been directed to Fortson’s Fort Walton Seashore residence in response to a home disturbance report that turned out to be false.
Fortson opened the door whereas holding his gun at his facet, pointed down. Authorities mentioned Duran shot him a number of instances earlier than telling Fortson to drop the gun.
Crump mentioned the swimsuit alleges that Deputy Eddie Duran used extreme and unconstitutional lethal drive when he shot Fortson inside seconds of the door opening.
“This isn’t policing. That is an illegal execution,” Crump mentioned.
Crump mentioned the swimsuit additionally outlines failures by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Workplace in coaching and supervision.
“The sheriff’s workplace knew that they had an issue,” Crump mentioned. “One other deputy had shot at a handcuffed suspect only a few months earlier as a result of an acorn hit his automotive. They usually did nothing. There have been no new insurance policies. No remedial coaching. There was nothing finished.”
The swimsuit additionally alleges that the Elan Residences and its employees offered deceptive, unverified info resulting in the deadly police response.
“Not solely did they fail to coach their employees on find out how to deal with emergencies, they doubled down when their agent escorted and escalated the scenario by feeding Deputy Duran this gossip,” Crump mentioned.
Fortson’s grieving mom needs to see accountability taken.
“I misplaced my life line. My child was one name that’s all. He might really feel when his momma wanted him,” Meka Fortson mentioned.
Duran has pleaded not responsible to manslaughter. That felony case is pending.
Neither the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Workplace nor the Elan residences have offered feedback on the lawsuit.
