Current:Home > Scams16-year-old brother fatally shot months after US airman Roger Fortson was killed by deputy -GlobalInvest
16-year-old brother fatally shot months after US airman Roger Fortson was killed by deputy
View
Date:2025-04-18 19:33:38
Months after U.S. Air Force senior airman Roger Fortson was gunned down by a Florida deputy, his 16-year-old brother was killed as a result of a shooting in Georgia.
Andre Fortson was fatally shot on Wednesday at Summit Hill Apartments in DeKalb County, which is just east of Atlanta. When officers got to the scene just before 10:00 p.m. local time, they discovered the victim in a breezeway with gunshot wounds, a DeKalb Police spokesperson told USA TODAY.
Police arrested a suspected shooter, identified as 20-year-old Quintavious Zellner. Jail records show that he was charged with aggravated assault.
In their initial investigation, detectives determined that "two groups of subjects were shooting at each other" for an unknown reason, according to police.
Community members told WSB-TV they overheard gunfire before cars skirted off the scene. An injured Andre was left behind as a neighbor tried to help him.
“I tried to save him, doing CPR because I couldn’t save him," a neighbor, identified only as Jaqueia, told the outlet, describing Andre as a "really good boy. He was never disrespectful, never saw him in any altercations, or anything like that."
Roger Fortson news:Body of US airman fatally shot by Florida deputy returned to Georgia ahead of funeral
Roger Fortson was killed by a deputy in May
The death of Andre comes as the family is grappling with the death of Fortson in early May. Eddie Duran, who was terminated from the Okaloosa County County Sheriff's Office, was identified as the deputy involved.
On May 3, Duran responded to a Fort Walton Beach apartment complex after receiving a call about an apparent disturbance.
Duran's body camera footage shows that he knocked on Fortson's apartment door three times and announced he was with the sheriff's office. Fortson opened the door while holding a gun in his right hand and pointed down. The deputy said, "step back," and then shot Fortson.
"I want justice for my child. You're not going to throw me a bone. Take his credentials. Take his pension," his mother, Chantemekki Fortson, said at a news conference.
During the investigation, the sheriff's office found that Duran's use of force "was not objectively reasonable and therefore violated agency policy."
Fortson's body was delivered to his family in Atlanta prior to his funeral.
Family attorney requests privacy for the family during this 'impossible time'
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump confirmed the passing of the family member in a statement on Wednesday.
"The Fortson family is battling the loss of yet another young member of their family. This has been an incredibly challenging time for them with the loss of Roger," the statement said. "Losing the life of yet another young family member – a mere child – has been an absolute devastation. We are asking the media and the public for privacy and space during this impossible time.”
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at [email protected].
veryGood! (6)
Related
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Tua Tagovailoa 'has no plans to retire' from NFL after latest concussion, per report
- 2024 Emmys: Hannah Montana's Moisés Arias Proves He's Left Rico Behind
- Police: 4 killed after multi-vehicle crash in southeast Dallas
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- Arizona man accused of online terror threats has been arrested in Montana
- 2024 Emmys: Christine Baranski and Daughter Lily Cowles Enjoy Rare Red Carpet Moment Together
- What We Do in the Shadows Gifts for All…but Not You, Guillermo
- Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
- Ian Somerhalder Shares an Important Lesson He's Teaching His Kids
Ranking
- 'As foretold in the prophecy': Elon Musk and internet react as Tesla stock hits $420 all
- 2024 Emmy Awards: Here Are All the Candid Moments You Missed on TV
- Get 50% Off Jennifer Aniston's LolaVie Detangler, Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Powder & $10.50 Ulta Deals
- Emmy Awards: A partial list of top winners
- 'Most Whopper
- MLB playoffs: Does 'hot team' reign supreme or will favorites get their mojo back?
- Caitlin Clark returns to action: How to watch Fever vs. Wings on Sunday
- D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai arrives at the Emmys with powerful statement honoring missing Indigenous women
Recommendation
California DMV apologizes for license plate that some say mocks Oct. 7 attack on Israel
Montgomery schools superintendent to resign
What did the Texans trade for Stefon Diggs? Revisiting Houston's deal for former Bills WR
Travis Hunter shines as Colorado takes care of business against Colorado State: Highlights
Louvre will undergo expansion and restoration project, Macron says
Shedeur Sanders refuses to shake Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi's hand after win vs Colorado State
D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai arrives at the Emmys with powerful statement honoring missing Indigenous women
Florida State's fall to 0-3 has Mike Norvell's team leading college football's Week 3 Misery Index