Family holds vigil for airman shot dead in Florida

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. (AP) — The family of a metro Atlanta airman killed by a Florida deputy last week was honored during a vigil in the community where he grew up.

Chantemekki Fortson, the mother of Senior Airman Roger Fortson, hugged family members and friends who knew her son. Some wore red shirts, Roger’s favorite color, with the words “We all we got” on the front and a picture of the veteran and his birth and death dates on the back.

Others displayed candles that read “My Gift” and released balloons to remember Fortson, whom his mother called her gift. She said she shared her gift with the world. Roger traveled around the world and risked his life for his country as a high-ranking U.S. aviator.

“I will never hear his voice again,” Chantemekki said. “You all don’t know how much pain I’m in. I constantly put my hand on my chest because I can’t feel my heartbeat. Nothing in this world can bring my child back.”

Bodycam footage shows the moment a week ago when an Okaloosa County, Florida, deputy responded to a disturbance call. When Fortson opened the door, the body camera showed he was holding a gun that was pointed downwards. The deputy shot him six times within a few seconds. Fortson was 23 years old.

In a new cell phone video released by Fortson’s family, a FaceTime recording from a woman believed to be Fortson’s girlfriend reveals the moments immediately after the shooting. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is now investigating whether the shooting was justified. The public prosecutor then conducts a third-party audit.

Meanwhile, a family continues to grieve in the same southeast Atlanta community where Fortson grew up. Chantemekki said her son loved playing with his siblings and was a fan of Harry Potter and Marvel superheroes.

Fortson graduated from McNair High School in 2019 and enlisted in the Air Force. The commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing, U.S. Air Force Col. Patrick Dierig, released the following statement in response to Fortson’s death:

“Our focus remains on supporting Senior Airman Fortson’s family, providing necessary resources to the squadron and all impacted members, and maintaining professionalism and respect at Hurlburt Field. We respect the legal process and the family’s right to representation. SrA Fortson was a proven combat veteran and an incredible teammate. His loss is felt throughout the 4th Special Operations Squadron, the 73rd Special Operations Squadron and our entire wing. We will recognize his service at a date to be determined by his family and squadron. If you have any questions regarding the ongoing investigation, we encourage you to contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.”

Fortson’s cousin, Natasha Latner, said he had just celebrated his 25th birthday. He also leaves behind a sister and a brother.

“This community means a lot to Roger,” Latner said. “He went and did something different that a lot of men didn’t do. He wanted to improve. He wanted to do better. He just came back from Kuwait and you tell me he had to come back to die.” “I could understand if he died there, but not in his own house.”

A family full of emotions still wants answers and justice for a life lost. The funeral for Fortson will be next Friday, May 17, at 11 a.m. at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church.

“He wasn’t a color. “He was of no gender,” Chantemekki said. “He was a man.” He was my gift that no one gave me but God. Nobody had the right to take him. And I want justice for my child.”