Current:Home > News16-year-old brother fatally shot months after US airman Roger Fortson was killed by deputy -TradeCircle
16-year-old brother fatally shot months after US airman Roger Fortson was killed by deputy
View
Date:2025-04-18 00:17:36
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! (937)
Related
- Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
- North Dakota woman to serve 25 years in prison for fatally poisoning boyfriend
- Will Menendez brothers be freed? Family makes fervent plea amid new evidence
- Colorado gold mine where tour guide was killed and tourists trapped ordered closed by regulators
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- How Liam Payne's Love for Son Bear Inspired Him to Be Superhero for Kids With Cancer in Final Weeks
- These Sweet Sabrina Carpenter and Barry Keoghan Pics Will Have You Begging Please Please Please for More
- LSU's Brian Kelly among college football coaches who left bonus money on the table
- Appeals court scraps Nasdaq boardroom diversity rules in latest DEI setback
- Meryl Streep and Martin Short Fuel Romance Buzz With Dinner Date in Santa Monica
Ranking
- Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
- Liam Payne was open about addiction. What he told USA TODAY about alcohol, One Direction
- Colsen recalls nearly 90,000 tabletop fire pits after reports of serious burn injuries
- Why Erik Menendez Blames Himself for Lyle Menendez Getting Arrested
- Federal hiring is about to get the Trump treatment
- New Hampshire’s port director and his wife, a judge, are both facing criminal charges
- Trump is consistently inconsistent on abortion and reproductive rights
- What to know about red tide after Florida’s back-to-back hurricanes
Recommendation
Bodycam footage shows high
La Nina could soon arrive. Here’s what that means for winter weather
Liam Payne was open about addiction. What he told USA TODAY about alcohol, One Direction
New Jersey internet gambling revenue set new record in Sept. at $208 million
Buckingham Palace staff under investigation for 'bar brawl'
Mountain West commissioner says she’s heartbroken over turmoil surrounding San Jose State volleyball
La Nina could soon arrive. Here’s what that means for winter weather
Biting or balmy? See NOAA's 2024 winter weather forecast for where you live