Jordan Edwards, a 15-year-old African-American boy, was fatally shot by police officer Roy Oliver in Balch Springs, Texas, on April 29, 2017. Edwards was riding in the front passenger seat of a vehicle driving away from officers who attempted to stop it. He was unarmed during the encounter. Officer Oliver fired three rifle rounds into the vehicle, striking Edwards in the head and killing him.
The incident occurred after officers responded to a 911 call reporting underage kids drunk
walking around at a party. Upon arrival, the officers heard gunshots and attempted to control the situation. Oliver, armed with a Modern Carbine MC5 rifle, fired into the vehicle as it drove away from him. Edwards's 16-year-old brother was driving the car, which also contained two of Edwards's brothers and two friends.
Initially, the police claimed that the vehicle was backing down the street towards the officers in an aggressive manner. However, after reviewing body-worn camera footage, Police Chief Jonathan Haber admitted that the vehicle was actually moving away from the officers. Oliver was fired from the Balch Springs Police Department and arrested on May 5, 2017.
On August 28, 2018, Roy Oliver was found guilty of murder and sentenced to 15 years in prison. The civil trial that followed resulted in a jury awarding $26 million to Edwards's family for wrongful death and violation of his constitutional rights. The jury awarded $10.6 million in compensatory damages and $11 million in punitive damages.
The case drew significant attention and led to calls for police reform and accountability. Edwards's family continues to seek justice and raise awareness about police violence against African-American youth.
