Dallas

Dallas County District Attorney Committed to a Conviction in Jordan Edwards Case

DOJ launches investigation into fatal shooting

After meeting with Dallas County District Attorney Faith Johnson Thursday afternoon, attorneys representing the family of slain teen Jordan Edwards said the DA is committed to justice and securing a conviction against fired Balch Springs police officer Roy Oliver.

Edwards, 15, was shot and killed by Oliver as he and two other teens drove away from a party nearly two weeks ago. Oliver was fired and the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office filed a murder charge against him. He's since been released after posting $300,000 bond.

Edwards' family left the DA's office Thursday without giving a public statement, but their attorneys, along with advocates for several civil rights groups, spoke on their behalf.

"We want to see a genuine effort, with all resources available, to prosecute not only the officer that has been named, Roy Oliver, but every officer involved in wrongdoing, in the cover up, and the harassment of Jordan Edwards' brothers — and the injustice on that evening," said Lee Merritt, an attorney representing the family.

During the meeting Thursday, Edwards' parents were expected to review the assistant district attorneys assigned to the case and discuss the possibility of bringing in a special independent prosecutor.

"It's very difficult, as you all know, in the United States, let alone in the great state of Texas, to see a police officer charged, let alone convicted," Merritt said. "We plan to see it through to the end. We're not going to accept half-measures, we're not going to accept excuses or politicking."

The Dallas County District Attorney has vowed to act in fairness and seek justice.

“We believe a lot has been done in this case,” said Johnson. “Moving forward, we are vigorously aggressive. Right now we’re not going to get into any evidence about this case. We are preparing it to be presented before the grand jury."

Additionally,  Brittany Dunn, a spokeswoman for the Dallas County DA, told The Associated Press the U.S. Justice Department has launched an investigation into the fatal shooting.

She said she doesn't know the scope or focus of the probe.

The DOJ didn't return calls to the AP or NBC 5 about the probe.

Daryl Washington, an attorney representing the family in a civil case, said the family didn't file a civil case for monetary gain but rather to ensure there is transparency in the investigation and accountability with regard to how the teens were treated after the shooting.

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