Judge denies bond for fired deputy in fatal shooting of Black airman

A judge on Tuesday denied bail to a fired officer in the shooting case at a Black American Air Force Soldier who opened the door of his apartment while pointing a gun at the floor.

Former Okaloosa County police officer Eddie Duran, 38, has been charged with second-degree murder in the May 3 shooting death of 23-year-old Roger Fortson. The rare charge against a Florida police officer is a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison.

The judge has ordered him to be held until Thursday for a pre-trial detention hearing, despite objections from his lawyer, who said he should be released now.

Attorney Rod Smith said Duran will not have to remain in jail for the next few days.

“They know he’s going to show up,” Smith said. “We believe he’s not a risk, not a flight risk. He’s going to show up on Thursday, he can show up at any time, he doesn’t have to sit in jail for the next few days.”