Okaloosa deputy charged in airman’s death, high school football returns, Baker High School vandalized | Aug. 23, 2024

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Top 5 Stories

It’s time to count down the Big Stories we’re following for you.

5. Okaloosa County deputy charged in Senior Airman’s shooting death

A fired Okaloosa County deputy is now facing a manslaughter charge in the shooting death of Senior Airman Roger Fortson .

Fortson was killed at his apartment in Fort Walton Beach in May.

Deputy Eddie Duran was responding to a domestic disturbance call from a resident in the apartment complex.

Body camera footage showed Fortson opening his door holding a gun at his side, and Duran shooting him.

An internal investigation determined Duran’s use of deadly force was not objectively reasonable, violating agency policy.

If convicted, Duran could face up to 30 years in prison.

4. Mobile woman accused of murdering her boyfriend

Police said a deadly stabbing in West Mobile was domestic-related.

Jennifer Heathcoe is charged with murder in the death of her boyfriend… 33-year-old Taylor Rawlins.

Police said the two were arguing when Heathcoe stabbed Rawlins.

It happened around 8 p.m. Thursday at the Charleston Apartment Homes on Sollie Road.

We spoke with several friends of the victim, who were too upset to go on camera but shared Rawlins was a great friend and loved his children.

Heathcoe is being held without bond.

3. Fairhope Pier benches, and tables disappear

People on the Eastern Shore might be wondering, “Where’d all the benches and tables go at the Fairhope Pier?”

We found out the answer.

The city moved them and is storing them in a warehouse.

That’s because of something underway called the “Working Waterfront” project.

The $10 million project is bringing some repairs to the pier such as rebuilt sea walls, new restrooms, and updates to the fountain and rose garden.

The mayor hopes the work will be complete before the city’s annual 4th of July celebration.

2. High school football is back!

It’s finally that time again.

High school football is back.

Once again, Simone Eli and Gerhard Mathangani lead our coverage.

Our Game of the Week is Jackson at Saraland, one of more than a dozen games we’re tracking this week.

Simone and Gerhard will bring you highlights tonight at 10 on our weekly high school football show: 5th Quarter.

1. Baker High School vandalized

A high school football rivalry goes too far.

Graffiti was discovered at Baker High School on the day the season kicks off.

The Hornets are playing the Theodore Bobcats.

Red paint spelling the word “Theodore” on the sidewalk and “F— Baker” on a door.

So far, no one has been caught, but that may not last long as there are plenty of cameras on Baker’s campus.

Question of the Day

Many people want a brick from the Mobile Civic Center that’s coming down after being a Port City fixture for 60 years. We asked, “What’s one memento, or souvenir, you will cherish forever?”

Here are your responses.

Poll of the Day

The 2024 high school football season has finally arrived! We asked, “Are you attending the high school football games or just watching the recaps?”

Here are your responses.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.