Former Okaloosa County deputy Eddie Duran has been charged with manslaughter for the fatal shooting of Air Force Airman Roger Fortson earlier this year, the State Attorney’s Office announced.

Duran, who was fired in late May, shot Fortson six times at an apartment complex in Fort Walton Beach on May 3.

The Sheriff’s Office initially claimed Duran acted in self-defense after identifying himself as law enforcement and encountering Fortson, who was armed.

However, an internal investigation later determined that Duran’s use of deadly force was not justified, leading to his dismissal, ABC WEAR TV News 3 has reported.

A warrant has been issued for Duran’s arrest, and if convicted, he could face up to 30 years in prison.

The case gained national attention, with calls for justice from Fortson’s family, attorney Ben Crump, and the Okaloosa NAACP.

Written by B.C. Begley