Current:Home > reviews16-year-old brother fatally shot months after US airman Roger Fortson was killed by deputy -Stellar Wealth Sphere
16-year-old brother fatally shot months after US airman Roger Fortson was killed by deputy
View
Date:2025-04-15 00:27:15
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 tardrey@gannett.com.
veryGood! (2792)
Related
- Gen. Mark Milley's security detail and security clearance revoked, Pentagon says
- Darren Walker, president of Ford Foundation, will step down by the end of 2025
- Here's what a Sam Altman-backed basic income experiment found
- Police kill armed man outside of New Hampshire home after standoff, authorities say
- California DMV apologizes for license plate that some say mocks Oct. 7 attack on Israel
- Eminem brings Taylor Swift’s historic reign at No. 1 to an end, Stevie Wonder’s record stays intact
- Paris Olympics: LeBron James to Serve as Flagbearer for Team USA at Opening Ceremony
- Widespread Panic reveals guitarist Jimmy Herring diagnosed with tonsil cancer
- Chuck Scarborough signs off: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker tribute legendary New York anchor
- In Washington state, Inslee’s final months aimed at staving off repeal of landmark climate law
Ranking
- McKinsey to pay $650 million after advising opioid maker on how to 'turbocharge' sales
- Kamala Harris is preparing to lead Democrats in 2024. There are lessons from her 2020 bid
- Beyoncé's mom, Tina Knowles, endorses VP Kamala Harris for president
- Children of Gaza
- Chuck Scarborough signs off: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker tribute legendary New York anchor
- Bangladesh's top court scales back government jobs quota after deadly unrest
- Tractor-trailer driver charged in fiery Ohio bus crash that killed 6
- Who could Kamala Harris pick as her VP? Here are 10 potential running mates
Recommendation
What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
Eminem brings Taylor Swift’s historic reign at No. 1 to an end, Stevie Wonder’s record stays intact
Woman gets probation for calling in hoax bomb threat at Boston Children’s Hospital
Horoscopes Today, July 21, 2024
Taylor Swift makes surprise visit to Kansas City children’s hospital
Google makes abrupt U-turn by dropping plan to remove ad-tracking cookies on Chrome browser
This state was named the best place to retire in the U.S.
Coca-Cola raises full-year sales guidance after stronger-than-expected second quarter