Current:Home > Stocks16-year-old brother fatally shot months after US airman Roger Fortson was killed by deputy -EquityZone
16-year-old brother fatally shot months after US airman Roger Fortson was killed by deputy
Charles Langston View
Date:2025-04-10 18:12:08
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! (8466)
Related
- Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
- New Hampshire gets its turn after Trump’s big win in Iowa puts new pressure on Haley and DeSantis
- More transgender candidates face challenges running for office in Ohio for omitting their deadname
- Chuck E. Cheese has a 'super-sized' game show in the works amid financial woes
- Buckingham Palace staff under investigation for 'bar brawl'
- Post Malone, The Killers and SZA among headliners for 2024 Governors Ball in NYC
- Eagles center Jason Kelce intends to retire after 13 NFL seasons, AP sources say
- Blac Chyna Shares Update on Her Sobriety After 16-Month Journey
- At site of suspected mass killings, Syrians recall horrors, hope for answers
- Saints fire longtime offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael, last member of Sean Payton regime
Ranking
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Woman who sent threats to a Detroit-area election official in 2020 gets 30 days in jail
- An Ohio official was arrested for speaking at her own meeting. Her rights were violated, judge says
- Matthew Stafford's wife Kelly says her children cried when Lions fans booed her and husband
- The Louvre will be renovated and the 'Mona Lisa' will have her own room
- YouTuber and Reptile Expert Brian Barczyk Dead at 54
- Britain’s unexpected inflation increase in December is unlikely to worry the Bank of England
- Proposed Louisiana congressional map, with second majority-Black district, advances
Recommendation
A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
Maryland QB Taulia Tagovailoa denied extra year of eligibility by NCAA, per report
St. John’s coach Rick Pitino is sidelined by COVID-19 for game against Seton Hall
Top Chinese diplomat says support of Pacific nations with policing should not alarm Australia
Residents worried after ceiling cracks appear following reroofing works at Jalan Tenaga HDB blocks
One of the world's most venomous snakes found hiding in boy's underwear drawer
Maryland QB Taulia Tagovailoa denied extra year of eligibility by NCAA, per report
NBA team power rankings see Lakers continue to slide