Current:Home > Invest16-year-old brother fatally shot months after US airman Roger Fortson was killed by deputy-InfoLens
16-year-old brother fatally shot months after US airman Roger Fortson was killed by deputy
View Date:2024-12-23 10:52:02
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! (1)
Related
- 2025 NFL Draft order: Updated first round picks after Week 10 games
- Denver shooting injures at least 6 people, police say
- Masturbation abstinence is popular online. Doctors and therapists are worried
- Former Bengals LB Vontaze Burfict says he only hit late against Steelers
- Chiefs block last-second field goal to save unbeaten record, beat Broncos
- 5 Capitol riot defendants who led first breach on Jan. 6 found guilty at trial
- Joni Mitchell Makes Rare Appearance Ahead of First-Ever Grammys Performance
- Inter Miami cruises past Hong Kong XI 4-1 despite missing injured Messi
- How Jersey Shore's Sammi Sweetheart Giancola's Fiancé Justin May Supports Her on IVF Journey
- Powell: Federal Reserve on track to cut rates this year with inflation slowing and economy healthy
Ranking
- Ben Affleck and His Son Samuel, 12, Enjoy a Rare Night Out Together
- Inter Miami cruises past Hong Kong XI 4-1 despite missing injured Messi
- Bon Jovi rocks with Springsteen, McCartney dances in the crowd at Grammys MusiCares event
- Arab American leaders urge Michigan to vote uncommitted and send message to Biden about Israel policy
- Video ‘bares’ all: Insurers say bear that damaged luxury cars was actually a person in a costume
- Lovevery recalls 51,500 of its Slide & Seek Ball Runs over choking hazard
- Controversial podcast host Joe Rogan signs a new deal with Spotify for up to a reported $250 million
- Coast Guard searching for sailor, 60, who has been missing for 2 weeks
Recommendation
-
Jennifer Garner Details Navigating Grief 7 Months After Death of Her Dad William Garner
-
Rapper Killer Mike Arrested at 2024 Grammys After Winning 3 Awards
-
Country star Brandy Clark on finding her musical soulmate and her 6 Grammy nominations
-
John Legend and Chrissy Teigen's Grammys 2024 Appearance Is No Ordinary Date Night
-
How Saturday Night Live Reacted to Donald Trump’s Win Over Kamala Harris
-
A Minnesota town used its anti-crime law against a protected class. It’s not the only one
-
The 2024 Grammy Awards are here; SZA, Phoebe Bridgers and Victoria Monét lead the nominations
-
She spent 2 years hiking across the US and her journey ends soon. Meet Briana DeSanctis.