A former Texas police officer was indicted on murder charges Monday after he fired repeatedly at a car in April, killing a 15-year-old black high schooler.
Jordan Edwards was one of five people in a car traveling home from a party April 29, when then-officer Roy Oliver, 37, fired multiple shots from his patrol rifle as the car drove past, hitting Edwards in the head, CNN reported Tuesday. Oliver was dismissed from the Balch Springs Police Department May 2 and a warrant for his arrest was issued May 6.
“I have a personal guarantee to Jordan, his family, this community that we will prosecute this case vigorously,” District Attorney Faith Johnson told reporters. “This to me is the first step to healing this community, and hopefully rebuilding the community.”
Oliver and Police Chief Jonathan Haber initially reported the car was driving aggressively and was reversing toward Oliver at the time of the shooting. Body camera footage eventually proved otherwise, showing the vehicle moving away from Oliver, leading Haber to later apologize and fire Oliver.
“I do have questions in relation to my observation on the video and what is consistent with the policies and core values of the Balch Springs Police Department,” Haber said after reviewing the footage.
Edwards was reportedly an honor student at his high school, where he was also involved in varsity sports.
In addition to his murder charge, Oliver faces four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon by a public servant, adding to a maximum sentence of life in prison.
This is very difficult,” Oliver’s mother Linda told the New York Times. “I raised my kids to give back to the community, and he has. He is a very devoted father of two young children, and he is deep in faith.”
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