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Florida Jury Acquits Former Deputy in Fatal Shooting of Airman Roger Fortson
Just the facts
A Florida jury delivered a verdict finding former sheriff's deputy Eddie Duran not guilty of manslaughter with a firearm in the fatal shooting of Roger Fortson. Fortson, a 23-year-old active-duty United States Air Force airman, was killed after opening his apartment door while holding a handgun following a response by law enforcement to a reported domestic disturbance call. The trial concluded following arguments from prosecutors who alleged Duran acted without an imminent threat, while defense attorneys maintained the former deputy responded in self-defense to an armed individual. Manslaughter with a firearm is classified under Florida law as a first-degree felony punishable by up to 30 years of imprisonment.
Why this is news
A Florida jury acquitted former sheriff's deputy Eddie Duran of manslaughter with a firearm in the fatal shooting of U.S. Air Force airman Roger Fortson.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.