FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. (WALA) – The mother of Senior Airman Roger Fortson says the repeated delays in the case against the former deputy who shot and killed her son are taking an emotional toll, as the case moves closer to an immunity hearing set for early August.
Meka Fortson has traveled from Atlanta to Fort Walton Beach for two years seeking accountability in her son’s death. In May 2024, then-Deputy Eddie Duran responded to a domestic disturbance call at Fortson’s apartment complex — a call that was later proven to be false. Body camera video shows Fortson opening his door with a gun pointed at the ground before Duran opened fire, shooting Fortson multiple times within seconds. Duran was later fired from the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office.
“It’s getting emotional because I feel like he would have gave my baby three seconds of the time that they keep giving him that Roger would still be here,” Meka Fortson said. “If he had a conversation with Roger, he’d still be here.”
Monday’s court appearance was a pre-trial conference, where attorneys on both sides continued working through motions, including disputes over witnesses. Judge William Stone urged both sides to stay on schedule.
“You’re going to need to file them quickly so we can get them set and no delays because I’m not going to change the dates of these hearings,” Stone said.
Duran’s defense team has filed for immunity, arguing he followed his training and was acting in self-defense. An immunity hearing is scheduled for early August.
Meka Fortson said the uncertainty surrounding the hearing is frightening.
“I’m so scared. I don’t know what to do. I pray, I pray because I don’t know,” she said.
Community members have offered support to the Fortson family, and many plan to attend the immunity hearing in three weeks. Meka Fortson said she is not seeking vengeance, but accountability.
“I’m not sitting here asking for his life. I want you to give my baby the respect that he’s earned,” she said. “Whatever else they do with him that’s between him, the judge and the prosecutor but I just need you to say I went to the wrong apartment, he was in his house. If anyone was stand your ground it was him.”
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