Sgt. 1st Class Allan Edwards, a 31-year-old African American soldier stationed at Fort Bliss, El Paso, TX, was tragically shot and killed by his 13-year-old stepson on March 15, 2021. According to police reports, Edwards allegedly assaulted his stepson's mother earlier that day, which led to the stepson retrieving a handgun belonging to Edwards and shooting him during an argument at their residence.
The stepson was taken into custody and handed over to juvenile justice authorities, but no charges have been filed against him as the investigation continues.
Edwards, a native of Telford, Tennessee, had served in the Army since 2008 and had one combat deployment to Afghanistan. He was highly regarded for his technical knowledge and dedication to his profession, having completed several military courses and earning numerous awards and decorations. His death was a significant loss to his unit and the Army community.
The El Paso Police Department's Crimes Against Persons and Crimes Against Children divisions are handling the investigation. Detectives are working to gather evidence and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The case remains open, and authorities are continuing their efforts to ensure justice is served.
Edwards' legacy lives on through the impact he made on his fellow soldiers and the confidence he instilled in them through his expertise and leadership. His family, friends, and colleagues remember him as a dedicated and determined senior noncommissioned officer who gave his all to his team and his profession.
