OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — The sheriff’s deputy in Florida charged with the shooting death of a U.S. Airman from metro Atlanta will not be allowed to leave the Fort Walton Beach area to seek new employment.
An Okaloosa County judge made the ruling Tuesday afternoon.
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“[We’re] disappointed in the judge’s ruling. But we understand it and respect it,” defense attorney Michael Flowers told Channel 2’s Audrey Washington.
Before the ruling inside court, the mother of U.S. Airman Roger Fortson became overwhelmed after seeing former sheriff’s deputy Eddie Duran in person for the first time.
In 2024, while responding to a disturbance call, Duran went to Fortson’s Fort Walton Beach area apartment.
Bodycam video showed Duran shoot Fortson within seconds of Fortson opening his front door. It was later determined that there was no disturbance at Fortson’s apartment.
Video also showed Fortson holding his legally registered gun pointed toward the floor when he answered the door.
Duran is charged with manslaughter.
The judge heard from the defense as they motioned to modify Eddie Duran’s bond.
“We want for him to have the ability to do things: See his son, support his wife and be able to seek employment,” a defense attorney said.
But one by one, family members of Fortson took the stand and begged the judge to deny the defense’s request.
“It’s time to tell him no. It’s time to tell him to take accountability,” Fortson’s mother, Mekka Fortson, told the judge.
“He’s a threat to the community,” Fortson added.
Fortson then looked at Duran and said, “You didn’t have to kill my baby.”
After hearing both the defense and prosecutors and reading letters from Fortson’s military family, the judge told the defense she will not modify Duran’s bond.
Outside of court, family members and supporters celebrated.
“It’s about love. It’s accountability,” Mekka Fortson told the crowd.
The next pretrial court date is set for Aug. 11.
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