Trial is suppose to start in September
OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. -- A trial date is set for the former Okaloosa County deputy charged in the May 2024 shooting death of a senior airman in Fort Walton Beach.
Eddie Duran's trial is slated to begin Sep. 28. He is charged with manslaughter and has pleaded not guilty.
In May 2024, Duran shot and killed Roger Fortson inside his apartment on Racetrack Road. Investigators say Duran had been directed to Fortson's apartment in response to a domestic disturbance.
After repeated knocking, Fortson opened the door while holding his handgun at his side, pointed down. Investigators say Duran shot Fortson multiple times before telling Fortson to drop the gun.
Inside the courtroom , Duran’s defense attorney said he plans to argue self-defense.
"We do have a drafted, about 90% completed motion for a self-defense in this case," said the defense attorney. "We were kind of waiting to see if there was anything that came out of the depositions of the experts."
But Fortson’s mother says hearing that argument is painful for their family.
"You had paid training, but you wanna say self-defense," Roger's mother Meka Fortson said "...My baby is being so disrespected right now. For everything he did for this country, he has been so disrespected."
She also says the case has already taken too long, questioning why more experts and more time is needed.
"I still don't feel satisfied," said Meka."I still feel like they're playing games. You need a whole 90 days, a whole three years to go to trial. When you got a body camera, you need three years with a body camera."
Judge William Stone made it clear he wants this case to continue to progress.
"I don't want to continue the case three or four cycles only to find out things aren't progressing and that way you'll be here," Stone said.
Fortson's family hopes the judge will stand by his word.
"I hope Judge Stone stick with what he's doing, don't allow them to keep resetting and resetting and resetting," Meka said.
Deadlines were also set for the expert depositions and motion filing ahead of the September trial.
Duran is expected back in court on May 11.
