Michael Brown, Tamar Rice, Cameron Tillman and Laquan McDonald; young African American males that garnered nationwide attention not for their skills or talents, but because of their senseless deaths at the hands of the police. Now, another young African American male named Jordan Edwards, has been added to the list of a life taken way too soon by the hands of someone who vowed to “protect and serve”.
What happened
On April 29,2017, police officers were responding to calls stating that there was underage drinking going on at a house party in Balch Springs, Texas.
Once the officers arrived, they claimed to have heard gunshots and that a car full of teenagers was driving towards the officers in reverse in an “aggressive manner”. Officer Roy Oliver, then proceeded to open fire, shooting 15-year-old Jordan Edwards in the head through the passenger-side door of the car.
After reviewing the dash cam footage, it was revealed that the original statement on what had transpired was a complete lie. The footage showed that the car was not reversing towards the officers but was actually driving away from them. This meant that Officer Roy Oliver intentionally meant to shoot the innocent teen. Officer Roy Oliver has since been fired from the Balch Springs police department.
Remembering Jordan Edwards
Jordan Edwards is being remembered by those who knew and loved him, as a good young man that comes from a loving family, maintained straight A’s in school and was a rising star on his school’s football team. He was also well-liked by his teachers and peers.
The Edwards family released a statement saying, "While our family attempts to cope with our loss, we ask at this time the community please refrain from protests and marches in Jordan's and our family's name as we prepare for his funeral." The family also stated they are against any violence or threats geared towards the Balch Springs police department.
Will justice prevail?
Today, an arrest warrant for murder was issued for former Officer Roy Oliver. A spokeswoman for the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department said, "The warrant was issued due to evidence that suggested Mr. Oliver intended to cause serious bodily injury and commit an act clearly dangerous to human life that caused the death of an individual.
The warrant gives any police officer the authority to arrest Roy Oliver for the crime of murder. Mr. Oliver can also turn himself into any police officer if he so chooses."
Jordan's death is yet another example of how there needs to be a police reform movement. Body cams, and strict oversight over troubled police departments are a couple of ways that can help prevent police killings of young black unarmed males. It will also help put these "trigger happy" police officers in jail instead of continuously letting them off the hook. Let us hope that this time around, justice will be served! BlackLivesMatter
