Family Alleges Deputy Went To Wrong Apartment, Killing Airman

Chantemekki Fortson, the mother of slain airman Roger Fortson, center, is held by family during a news conference describing details of the airman's death, Thursday, May 16, 2024, in Stonecrest, Ga. (

A lawyer representing the family of Roger Fortson has revealed new details from body camera footage and police radio traffic following the fatal shooting of the Black U.S. Air Force airman by a Florida sheriff's deputy. The lawyer, Ben Crump, emphasized that the deputy was directed to the wrong apartment while responding to a domestic disturbance call.

During a news conference, Crump played police radio traffic where a dispatcher mentioned that the information about the disturbance was based on 'fourth-party information' received from the leasing office. The bodycam footage also showed the deputy asking for directions to the correct apartment, to which the woman guiding him was unsure.

Fortson, 23, was shot on May 3 by the deputy at his apartment in Okaloosa County. While the sheriff's office claims the deputy acted in self-defense during a disturbance call, Fortson's family disputes this, alleging that the deputy went to the wrong unit, leading to an unjustified shooting.

Police radio traffic based on 'fourth-party information' from leasing office.

Deputy directed to wrong apartment in response to domestic disturbance call.

Deputy unsure of correct apartment, leading to fatal shooting of Roger Fortson.

Fortson shot by deputy at his apartment in Okaloosa County on May 3.

Family disputes self-defense claim, alleges unjustified shooting due to wrong unit.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigating, deputy on administrative leave.

Fortson's mother vows relentless pursuit of justice, demands accountability.

Community supports family, calls for transparency and justice.

Bodycam footage captures arrival, confrontation, and shooting at Fortson's door.

Fortson described as dedicated airman, funeral to be held at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the incident, and the deputy involved has been placed on administrative leave. Despite requests under Florida's open records act, the sheriff has not released the incident report, 911 records, or the officer's identity.

Fortson's mother, Meka Fortson, expressed her disbelief at her son's killing, stating that he was not a violent person. She vowed to pursue justice relentlessly, urging Sheriff Eric Aden to ensure accountability.

A memorial outside Fortson's apartment has become a place of remembrance, adorned with items like combat boots, flowers, and an American flag. The community has rallied in support of Fortson's family, demanding transparency and justice.

The bodycam footage captured the deputy's arrival at the apartment building, the confrontation at Fortson's door, and the subsequent shooting. Fortson, a decorated airman stationed at Hurlburt Field, was fatally shot while holding a handgun, which he legally owned.

Fortson's family described him as a dedicated brother and son, committed to providing a better life for his loved ones. His funeral is scheduled to take place at the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, following a wake in Decatur.