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Former Balch Springs Officer to be Tried for Murder of 15yo

Photo provided by s. lee merritt
Jordan Edwards as a boy.

Dallas County District Attorney Faith Johnson announced today that former Balch Spring police officer Roy Oliver has been charged with murder in the shooting death of 15-year-old Jordan Edwards in May. 

Oliver was also charged with four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon by a public official. He is accused of firing into a car that boday camera footage revealed was moving away from him at the time. The incident touched off accusations of racism: Oliver is white, Edwards black.

Johnson said her office will prosecute this case vigorously.
 

"It's important to let our community know that justice is proceeding effectively and thouroughly," she said.

The Balch Springs PD fired Oliver shortly after the shooting. First Assistant Michael Snipes will take the lead on the prosecution. There's no time table for a trial.

Scott Morgan has been an award-winning journalist since 2001. His work has appeared in several newspapers and magazines as well as online. He has also been an editor, freelancer, speaker, writing teacher, author, and podcaster.