STONECREST, Ga. – A somber scene unfolded at the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest, Georgia, as family, friends, and fellow Air Force members gathered to bid farewell to Senior Airman Roger Fortson. Fortson, a Black senior airman, tragically lost his life when he was shot and killed earlier this month by a sheriff’s deputy in his Florida home.
At the church, hundreds of Air Force members in dress blues stood in respect as they honored Fortson’s memory. Among those in attendance were Colonel Patrick Dierig, who praised Fortson’s character and service. Fortson, only 23 at the time of his death, served overseas in combat zones and was stationed at the Hurlburt Air Force Base.
Family and friends remembered Fortson fondly as a bright young man with a promising future cut short. His sister Raven Fortson expressed her grief over the loss, highlighting the potential her brother had to achieve greatness. The funeral was an emotional affair, with Fortson’s mother, Meka Fortson, vowing to seek justice for her son at a recent news conference alongside attorney Ben Crump.
The circumstances surrounding Fortson’s death have sparked controversy, with conflicting accounts of the events leading to the fatal shooting. While Sheriff Eric Aden maintains that the deputy acted in self-defense during a domestic disturbance call, Fortson’s family and supporters argue that the shooting was unwarranted. The deputy, whose identity remains undisclosed, shot Fortson six times as he answered the door holding a handgun, allegedly pointing it at the ground.
As the investigation into the incident continues, mourners and community members alike have come together in support of the Fortson family. A wake held in Fortson’s honor drew a diverse crowd, including Air Force veterans paying tribute to their fallen comrade. The controversy surrounding the shooting has raised concerns about police conduct and racial bias, echoing similar incidents across the country.
Fortson’s legacy as a dedicated airman and beloved family member lives on as authorities work to uncover the truth behind his untimely death. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is leading the investigation, while the deputy involved has been placed on administrative leave pending further inquiries. The community’s outpouring of grief and calls for justice underscore the impact of Fortson’s tragic passing on those who knew him best.