A judge has denied bond for Eddie Duran, a former Okaloosa County deputy charged with manslaughter in the shooting death of Roger Fortson, a 23-year-old Black U.S. Air Force senior airman. The incident occurred on May 3, when Fortson, holding a gun pointed at the floor, answered the door of his Fort Walton Beach apartment. The case, which has sparked significant controversy, is notable for the rare criminal charge against a Florida law enforcement officer, a first-degree felony that could lead to a 30-year prison sentence.

Defense Argues for Bond, Judge Refuses

Duran, 38, appeared in court on Tuesday, where his lawyer, Rod Smith, argued for his immediate release, asserting that Duran posed no flight risk and would continue to cooperate with legal proceedings. Despite these arguments, the judge ordered Duran to remain in custody until a pre-trial detention hearing scheduled for Thursday. Smith, who represents Duran through the Florida Deputy Sheriffs Association, expressed disagreement with the decision to prosecute Duran. Smith emphasized that the defense team believes the charges are unwarranted. “We reviewed the case and we believe the case is one in which we disagree with the state and we will proceed from that point and let the judge and jury make that decision,” Smith told The Associated Press.

Disputed Justification for the Shooting

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office initially justified Duran’s actions by claiming he fired in self-defense after encountering a man with a gun. However, an internal investigation led by Sheriff Eric Aden determined that Duran’s life was not in immediate danger at the time of the shooting, leading to Duran’s termination on May 31. External law enforcement experts have echoed the conclusion that simply holding a gun does not justify the use of lethal force if there is no active threat.

The sequence of events was partially captured on Duran’s body camera and in an audio recording of Fortson’s FaceTime call with his girlfriend, which captured the moment of the encounter. Duran had been dispatched to Fortson’s apartment following a false report of a domestic disturbance. After knocking repeatedly, Duran fired multiple shots as soon as Fortson opened the door, holding his gun pointed downward. Only after firing did Duran instruct Fortson to drop the weapon. In the internal affairs report, Duran claimed he perceived aggression in Fortson’s eyes and believed he was about to be shot. “I’m standing there thinking I’m about to get shot, I’m about to die,” Duran stated during the investigation.

Broader Implications and Public Outcry

Fortson’s death has intensified discussions about the role of Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law and its potential to encourage a “shoot first” mentality, particularly against Black individuals. The incident also joins a growing list of fatal encounters between law enforcement and Black people in their own homes. The delayed release of key information by the Sheriff’s Office, including the incident report and Duran’s identity, further fueled public outrage and calls for transparency. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Fortson’s family, has been vocal in demanding justice.