'Great kid' killed in officer-involved shooting in Balch Sprin

Bradley Blackburn, WFAA 5:02 PM. CDT May 01, 2017

BALCH SPRINGS -- Community members are asking

questions about why an officer fired into a car, killing a 15-
year-old boy.

According to Balch Springs police, officers responded to a

report of intoxicated teenagers on a residential street in the
(Photo: WFAA) 12300 block of Baron Drive at 11 p.m. Saturday. Neighbors
said a large house party was underway at the time.

Police say when officers arrived on the street, they heard

gunfire and then a car filled with passengers back towards them.

"There was an unknown altercation with the vehicle backing down the road towards the officers
in an aggressive manner. An officer shot at the vehicle, striking a front seat passenger. The
individual was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased," according to a
news release by Balch Springs police.

The department didn't identify the officer involved, but it says he's been placed on administrative
leave.

Police are not identifying the boy, but friends say he was 15-year-old Jordan Edwards.

The Dallas County Medical Examiner's Office has ruled his death a homicide, due to a rifle
wound to the head.

Many of his coaches and community members showed up at a news conference Sunday
afternoon demanding answers from authorities and expressing frustration over a lack of
information.

"Great kid. Awesome parents. He was not a thug. This shouldn't happen to him," said Chris
Cano, whose son played football with Edwards.

Mesquite ISD released a picture of Edwards Monday morning, along with the following
statement:

“ Mesquite ISD¹s deepest sympathies and prayers are with the family and
friends of this young man who tragically lost his life late Saturday evening. He
was a good student who was very well liked by his teachers, coaches and his
fellow students. The entire district -- especially the staff and students of Mesquite
High School -- are mourning this terrible loss.
Jordan Edwards (Mesquite ISD)

Balch Springs Police Chief Jonathan Haber said he's already met with the family of the boy and
has expressed his condolences. The department immediately turned over its investigation into
the incident to the Dallas County Sheriff's Department.

It didn't offer any further explanation for why the officer felt threatened, but Attorney Lee Merritt,
who is representing the Edwards family, disputed the police account. He said there was no
aggression from the vehicle. He also said none of the occupants in the vehicle were armed.

"They were simply leaving a party where they believed danger was, so I can't wrap my mind
around why an officer decided to shoot into the car," said Merritt.

Merritt said the Edwards family wants to see police body cam footage and wants better answers
for how the incident unfolded. He said one of Jordan Edwards' brothers was also riding in the
vehicle, and the driver was also 15 years old.

WFAA reached out to the Dallas County Sheriff's Department, but hasn't heard back on the
investigation.

Dallas County District Attorney Faith Johnson released this statement on Monday:

“ "The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office’s Public Integrity Unit includes
a specialized group of experienced attorneys and investigators. The Civil Rights
Team responds to all officer involved shooting in Dallas County to conduct an
impartial and independent investigation. As such, the Dallas County District
Attorney’s Office is investigating the death of Jordan Edwards. We offer our
sincere condolences to Jordan’s family and will continue to keep them in our
thoughts and prayers as we move forward expeditiously, with a commitment to
justice and transparency. "

The NAACP said it will discuss concerns at its general meeting on Tuesday, and this statement
was released by NAACP Dallas President Aubrey C. Hooper:
 “ "I am deeply disturbed by the initial reporting of the events surrounding the
police involved shooting death of Jordan Edwards. On behalf of the Dallas
NAACP, I offer our sincerest condolences to the family of Mr. Edwards and
remain in continued prayer for all of those involved and affected by his untimely
death. This death of a 15 year old honor student seems to be a tragedy that could
have been avoided. I am extremely concerned at the policing practices that were
utilized during this incident that seem excessive. From the initial accounts there
was no weapon present in the car and none recovered from any of the young
people involved in the police-involved shooting, in addition, there are
questionable facts to the car being used as a weapon. Even in that latter scenario
there are best practices in law enforcement profession that do not involve the use
of deadly force. Furthermore, the officer’s decision to aim their gun toward the
individual in the passenger seat brings suspicion to the officer’s claim that the car
was used as a weapon since the driver was in control of the car. While we are
awaiting all facts to be release, we trust that the Dallas County Sheriff
Department will do a thorough investigation and act with full transparency as we
attempt to responds to the community as it struggles with the loss of this gifted
young man whose life was cut short far too soon. We are calling for a full
investigation of the Balch Springs Police Department officer(s) involved and that
those involved be held accountable to the full extent of the law. We also join the
community in wrapping our arms around the family of Jordan Edwards and these
young men as they heal from the mental and emotional scars this incident may
have caused.”

© 2017 WFAA-TV

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