DEKALB COUNTY, GA — A verdict has been reached in the trial for the Florida deputy charged with manslaughter in the death of an Airman from DeKalb County in 2024.

It took an Okaloosa County jury two hours to clear former Okaloosa County deputy Eddie Duran of manslaughter in the shooting death of 23-year-old Roger Fortson.

Authorities say in May 2024, Duran was directed to Fortson’s Fort Walton Beach apartment in response to a domestic disturbance report that turned out to be false.

Officials previously said after repeated knocking, Fortson opened the door while holding his handgun at his side, and pointed down. Authorities say that Duran shot him multiple times.

“The decision to shoot only came from the door opening, firearm being up in my direction,” Duran said.

Bodycam footage shows it took less than two seconds for Duran to open fire and Fortson’s gun was pointed at the floor.

Duran was facing a first-degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison, officials previously said.

The Okaloosa Sheriff Eric Aden fired Duran after an internal investigation concluded his life was not in danger when he opened fire.

WSB Radio’s Veronica Waters contributed to this story.