Current:Home > Markets16-year-old brother fatally shot months after US airman Roger Fortson was killed by deputy -Insightful Finance Hub
16-year-old brother fatally shot months after US airman Roger Fortson was killed by deputy
View
Date:2025-04-12 05:44:39
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! (865)
Related
- Elon Musk's skyrocketing net worth: He's the first person with over $400 billion
- 6-year-old girl dead after being struck by family's boat at lake
- CBS News poll on how people are coping with the heat
- How to protect your car from extreme heat: 10 steps to protect your ride from the sun
- In ‘Nickel Boys,’ striving for a new way to see
- Tennessee ban on paycheck dues deduction to teacher group can take effect, judges rule
- 'Don't get on these rides': Music Express ride malfunctions, flings riders in reverse
- New film honors angel who saved over 200 lives during Russian occupation of Bucha
- Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
- Botched Patient Born With Pig Nose Details Heartbreaking Story of Lifelong Bullying
Ranking
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- Pressure? Megan Rapinoe, USWNT embrace it: 'Hell yeah. This is exactly where we want to be.'
- Phoenix sees temperatures of 110 or higher for 31st straight day
- Mother who killed two children in sex-fueled plot sentenced to life in prison, no parole
- Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
- ‘Conscience’ bills let medical providers opt out of providing a wide range of care
- New film honors angel who saved over 200 lives during Russian occupation of Bucha
- Bear takes dip in backyard Southern California hot tub amid heat wave
Recommendation
DeepSeek: Did a little known Chinese startup cause a 'Sputnik moment' for AI?
Mar-a-Lago property manager to be arraigned in classified documents probe
Win, lose or draw: How USWNT can advance to World Cup knockout rounds, avoid embarrassment
'Big Brother' 2023 premiere: What to know about Season 25 house, start time, where to watch
Warm inflation data keep S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq under wraps before Fed meeting next week
Deal Alert: Save Up to 86% On Designer Jewelry & Belts Right Now
Lori Vallow Daybell to be sentenced for murders of her 2 youngest children
Teresa Giudice Calls Sofia Vergara Rudest Woman She's Ever Met