14 May, 2017
Legal experts say authorities who've charged a fired suburban Dallas white police officer with murder in the death of a black 15-year-old face a tough task in getting a conviction.
Balch Springs Police Chief Jonathan Haber initially said a auto was moving "aggressively" toward officers when one of them fired into it Saturday night, killing 15-year-old Jordan Edwards, but the chief told reporters Monday he "misspoke".
The Balch Springs Police Department said in a statement Friday evening that it was not notified ahead of time that an arrest warrant would be issued. "The warrant was issued due to evidence that sug".
Consequently, Bach Springs Police Department fired Oliver on Tuesday, three days after the day of the officer's shooting at the teenagers.
Edwards's death had led to protests calling for Oliver to be fired and charged.
Oliver, who had been with the department since July 2011, is accused of opening fire on a vehicle full of teenagers leaving a party on April 29, killing Jordan Edwards.
Balch Springs Police Chief Jonathan Haber made excuses for Oliver's cheap shot on the Edwards, who was reportedly an honor roll student who played sports and was well-liked by his peers and teachers.
A sign sits in welcome to those entering Balch Springs, Texas, Wednesday, May 3, 2017.
The Edwards family planned a private funeral service on Saturday.
A SC police officer on Tuesday admitted to violating the civil rights of an unarmed black man he fatally shot in the back during a traffic stop.
Charmaine Edwards told the New York Daily News that two of the teen's older brothers were with him when he was shot, and they are now grief-stricken.
The family has already said it would pursue officers who allegedly detained Jordan's 16-year-old brother overnight without reason or charges.
Police say when officers arrived on the street, they heard gunfire and then a vehicle filled with passengers back towards them.
Meanwhile, personal records showed that Oliver, a former United States army sergeant, had previously been suspended from the force and ordered to attend courses in anger management and courtroom demeanor.
Merritt said it was clear from the start that Oliver should be arrested on the highest possible charge. Oliver also was ordered to take training courses in anger management and courtroom demeanor and testimony.
That evaluation, dated January 27, 2017, called the reprimand an isolated incident and urged Oliver to be mindful of his leadership role in the department.
Oliver, 37, has not been taken into custody, the Dallas Morning News said.
