Georgia Mother Seeks Answers After Son Killed by Florida Deputy

Meka Fortson travels to Florida for delayed hearing in case of U.S. Air Force serviceman Roger Fortson's death.

Feb. 10, 2026 at 6:23pm

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Nearly two years after her son, U.S. Air Force serviceman Roger Fortson, was killed by a Florida deputy, Meka Fortson is still seeking answers and transparency. Fortson traveled from Georgia to Florida to attend a scheduled hearing for the now-fired deputy, Eddie Duran, but the hearing was delayed again. Fortson met with reporters, saying she needs to know what happened to her "baby" and deserves "clarity" on the incident where Duran shot Fortson six times within seconds of him opening his door, despite body camera footage showing Fortson never raised his weapon and posed no threat.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing issues of police use of force, lack of transparency, and the need for accountability when law enforcement actions result in the death of a civilian. The delayed hearings and recusal of a judge add to the Fortson family's frustration in seeking justice and closure.

The details

In May 2024, Deputy Duran was dispatched to Fortson's apartment on a false domestic disturbance call. Fortson's girlfriend says he was on a video call with her and playing video games when someone knocked on the door. The lawsuit claims Duran failed to identify himself and aggressively banged on the door. Concerned for his safety, Fortson retrieved his legally owned firearm and opened the door with the gun pointed down. Within two seconds, Duran opened fire, striking Fortson six times. Body camera footage and an internal affairs report confirmed Fortson never raised his weapon and posed no threat.

  • In May 2024, Deputy Duran shot and killed Roger Fortson.
  • In 2026, a scheduled hearing for Duran was delayed yet again.
  • On February 10, 2026, Meka Fortson met with reporters in Florida to express her frustration and grief.

The players

Meka Fortson

The grieving mother of Roger Fortson, who is seeking answers and transparency nearly two years after her son was killed by a Florida deputy.

Roger Fortson

A 23-year-old U.S. Air Force serviceman who was killed by a Florida deputy in May 2024.

Eddie Duran

The Okaloosa County Sheriff's deputy who shot and killed Roger Fortson. Duran was fired for his wrongful use of force and is charged with manslaughter, but is currently free on bond.

Ben Crump

The civil rights attorney who has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Meka Fortson in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, alleging excessive force and negligence.

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What they’re saying

“I need to know what happened to my baby. I have so many unanswered questions. I drive five hours...I need clarity.”

— Meka Fortson (wsbradio.com)

“We are not here to litigate facts or comment on any ongoing legal proceedings. We're here because silence, delay, and distance have a human cost.”

— Ben Crump, Civil rights attorney (wsbradio.com)

“Trying to learn how to live life without my baby's physical presence? Not knowing what happened to him? I deserve transparency. I deserve clarity. Roger deserves it.”

— Meka Fortson (wsbradio.com)

What’s next

Judge William F. Stone will now preside over the case, and Duran's pretrial hearing date has been moved to March 9.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing need for police accountability, transparency, and justice when law enforcement actions result in the death of a civilian. The Fortson family's struggle to get answers and clarity nearly two years later underscores the human cost of delayed proceedings and lack of information.