A former Florida sheriff's deputy is facing a charge of manslaughter with a firearm in connection with the fatal shooting of an airman who opened his apartment door while holding a gun.
Former Okaloosa County deputy Eddie Duran was charged Thursday in the May 3 shooting death of Senior Airman Roger Fortson, Assistant State Attorney Greg Marcille said Thursday. That the charge is a first-degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison, CBS reports.
Marcille said a warrant has been issued for Duran's arrest but he is not in custody.
Authorities say Duran had been directed to Fortson's Fort Walton Beach apartment in response to a domestic disturbance report that turned out to be false. Body camera video showed the deputy knock on the door of Fortson's apartment. The deputy initially knocks without announcing himself, but then about 30 seconds later, he knocks again, saying he's with the sheriff's office and for Fortson to open the door.
After repeated knocking, Fortson opened the door while holding his handgun at his side, pointed down. The deputy yelled for Fortson, 23, to step back. Video showed that within seconds of Fortson opening the door, the deputy shoots him, and he immediately falls to the ground.
