Former Texas Police Officer Found Guilty in Murder of Black Teen

Ex-police officer was found guilty in the fatal shooting of an unarmed black teen on Tuesday. The former officer, Roy Oliver, shot into a car of teenagers killing the 15-year-old high school freshman, Jordan Edwards, NBC News reported.

The incident occurred in April 2017, where a group of teens were leaving from a house party in a car with Edwards in the passenger seat when Oliver – who is white – shot at the car. At the time, the officer was reportedly found not guilty on two aggravated assault charges.

After the verdict, Odell Edwards, Jordan’s father, was “thankful” after justice was served for his son.

“I’m happy, very happy,” Edwards said. “It’s been a long time, a hard year.”

Edwards’ attorney, Daryl Washington, said that this case goes further than Jordan’s tragic death.

“This case is not just about Jordan, it’s about Tamir Rice, it’s about Walter Scott, it’s about Alton Sterling, it’s about every African American … who has been killed and has not gotten justice,” Washington said.

“We are just happy that here in Dallas, Texas, that Roy Oliver is going to have to do his time for taking Jordan’s life. What he did on that night should have never happened and we’re just happy that we’ve gotten justice today,” he continued.

According to NBC News, the ruling happened Tuesday afternoon and the jury comprised of “10 women — five white, three Hispanic and two black — and two white men.”

After the report, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott tweeted about the decision, stating, “This life should never have been lost.”

White Texas police officer found guilty of murder for fatally shooting black teen in car. This life should never have been lost. https://t.co/SfxnPwXO0V

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) August 28, 2018