Judge denies bail to fired deputy sheriff after fatal shooting of black pilot

A judge on Tuesday denied bail to a fired deputy in connection with the shooting of a black high-ranking U.S. Air Force soldier who opened his apartment door with his gun pointed at the ground.

Former Okaloosa County Deputy Eddie Duran, 38, has been charged with manslaughter with a firearm in the May 3 shooting death of 23-year-old Roger Fortson. This rare charge against a police officer in Florida is a first-degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison.

The judge ordered his detention pending a detention hearing on Thursday, despite objections from his lawyer, who said he should be released immediately.

Attorney Rod Smith said Duran will not have to remain in jail for the next few days.

“They know he's going to show up,” Smith said. “We believe he's not a risk, not a flight risk. He'll show up on Thursday, he'll show up any time, he doesn't have to spend the next few days in jail.”

Associated Press, The Associated Press