Florida Deputy Charged with Manslaughter Allowed Bond

Former Okaloosa County deputy Eddie Duran was granted bond on Thursday after being charged with manslaughter for shooting U.S. Air Force senior airman Roger Fortson at Fortson’s apartment door. The incident, which was captured on Duran’s body camera, occurred on May 3 and resulted in Fortson’s death.

Judge Terrance R. Ketchel set Duran’s bond at $100,000 and imposed restrictions on his possession of firearms and travel. Despite arguments from Duran’s lawyer, Rodney Smith, the judge ordered him to be held pending the pretrial detention hearing. Duran, who has been homeschooling his six children while out of work, was released from jail after the hearing.

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office initially claimed that Duran fired in self-defense, but Sheriff Eric Aden fired him after an internal investigation determined that his life was not in danger when he opened fire. The incident has sparked debate over Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law and raised questions about law enforcement’s use of force.

Smith maintains that Duran’s actions were justified given the circumstances he was presented with, describing Fortson as someone who had armed himself before responding to a potential domestic violence situation. The case has garnered national interest, with Smith asserting that they will assert defenses such as qualified immunity and stand your ground as they move forward.

The shooting of Fortson, a Black man, has added to the ongoing conversation about police violence against Black individuals in their own homes. The incident has drawn attention to the need for accountability and reform within law enforcement agencies.