Mother of US airman killed by Florida lawmaker calls for justice at vigil in Atlanta – WSB-TV Channel 2

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. – Family and friends gathered in DeKalb County to remember Roger Fortson, the 23-year-old U.S. airman who was killed by a Florida deputy last week.

Channel 2’s Audrey Washington has been covering Fortson’s death since the beginning.

Fortson’s mother, Meka Fortson, spoke Friday Channel 2 action news about how she works to get justice for her son.

Meka Fortson spoke to Washington shortly after returning to the Atlanta area from Florida and said she was heartbroken but determined.

(DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for breaking news alerts)

“They know he’s kind, they know his humanity,” Ms. Fortson told Washington, describing her son.

She said she wasn’t at all surprised to see the large turnout at a Friday night vigil in his honor.

“You know his love,” Ms. Fortson added.

Speak with Channel 2 action newsMs. Fortson struggled to hold back tears as she spoke about her son Roger, whom she called her gift.

TRENDING STORIES:

She led a vigil in her DeKalb County neighborhood demanding justice after his death.

“That was my baby. This isn’t a show. I want justice for Roger Nigel Fortson,” Ms Fortson said.

Roger Fortson was killed on May 3rd.

An officer in Okaloosa County, Florida, knocked on the door of his home while responding to a disturbance call.

In-body cam video captured by Channel 2 action newsYou see the moments the 23-year-old airman opened the door and how the deputy waited exactly one second before shooting Fortson multiple times.

Fortson later died from his injuries.

At the vigil, Ms. Fortson couldn’t contain her frustration or pain over the loss of her son.

“He was murdered in his home. He wasn’t given a chance. He was human,” she said.

In the body camera video, Forston can be seen with a gun in his hand pointed at the ground.

Attorney Benjamin Crump, who represents the Fortsons, said the gun was registered in the airman’s name.

He believes Mr. Fortson used the gun to open the door because of the loud bang.

“He was trained to handle a firearm,” Crump said.

Now the case has made national headlines and is under investigation as a number of family and friends prepare to say their final farewell to the senior US Airman.

“When you meet this young man, you immediately know he is a young man with a big heart,” said Ben Jones, a family friend.

Ms. Fortson was more forceful.

“No one had the right to take him and I want justice for my child,” she said Channel 2 action news.

Roger Fortson’s funeral will take place on Friday.

(LOG IN: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter)

IN OTHER NEWS:

Cobb Sheriff says a homeless, terminally ill man was intentionally arrested over health care, he’s not alone

©2023 Cox Media Group