Mother Of Slain Airman Calls For Further Action

Light peeks through doors before Chantemekki Fortson, mother of slain Roger Fortson, a U.S. Air Force senior airman, speaks during a news conference with attorney Ben Crump on Monday, June 3, 2024, in

The mother of a Senior Airman who was fatally shot by a Florida sheriff's deputy expressed disappointment at the deputy's firing, stating that it does not amount to justice for her son's killing. The incident occurred when the deputy, responding to a domestic violence call, shot and killed the airman in his apartment doorway. The firing of Deputy Eddie Duran was deemed a step forward by the family's attorney, Ben Crump, but they believe Duran should also face criminal charges.

The shooting took place on May 3, with body camera footage showing Duran firing multiple shots at the airman, who was legally holding a handgun pointed down. The internal affairs investigation concluded that the use of deadly force was not objectively reasonable as the airman did not pose a threat. Experts have also emphasized that holding a gun does not justify the use of lethal force if there is no imminent danger.

The firing of Deputy Eddie Duran was seen as a step forward but not enough.

The airman was shot by a deputy responding to a domestic violence call.

Body camera footage showed the airman holding a handgun pointed down.

Experts concluded that the use of deadly force was not justified.

Duran claimed he feared for his life, but the airman's girlfriend disputed his account.

The airman did not pose an imminent threat, according to the internal affairs investigation.

Duran had returned to duty part-time due to family hardships.

The incident has led to calls for accountability and criminal charges against Duran.

The grieving mother expressed disappointment that the firing of the deputy did not bring justice.

The tragic event highlights the need for further legal action and accountability.

Duran claimed he perceived aggression in the airman's eyes and feared for his life, prompting him to shoot. However, the airman's girlfriend stated that they were not arguing and did not hear the deputy identify himself before the shooting. Duran had been on duty part-time due to family hardships and had returned to the sheriff's office less than a year before the incident.

The tragic event has sparked calls for accountability and further legal action against Duran. The grieving mother emphasized that the firing of the deputy falls short of delivering justice for her son's untimely death.