BREAKING: Officer who killed 15-yr-old FIRED

[ckaihatsu]

BREAKING: Officer who killed 15-yr-old FIRED


Chris,

BREAKING: Last night, Balch Springs Police Department fired Officer Roy Oliver who shot and killed 15-year-old Jordan Edwards with a rifle.1 But this is still not enough. Will you sign the petition calling on the District Attorney to file criminal charges? (https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/justice-for-jordan-edwards/?t=1&akid=7389.872082.SEdRXW)

Heartbreaking new details about what Jordan Edwards’ family had to endure that night have emerged too: Jordan’s older brother was handcuffed and held overnight in jail--without charges. And police even detained Jordan’s father when he arrived at the station--claiming he was “being hostile” for simply asking about his children. This toxic culture of policing has to stop.

Our cries for justice were heard in Roy Oliver’s firing, and now Dallas County District Attorney Faith Johnson must step up to arrest and charge him. And all of the officers who made this tragedy worse for the Edwards family need to be held accountable. Thousands of Color of Change members have already signed the petition calling for justice for Jordan Edwards. Chris, your name is missing, will you take a stand today? (https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/justice-for-jordan-edwards/?t=2&akid=7389.872082.SEdRXW)

Jordan and his entire family deserve justice. Sign the petition. (https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/justice-for-jordan-edwards/?t=3&akid=7389.872082.SEdRXW)

Until justice is real,

Rashad and the rest of the Color of Change team

P.S. Here’s the original email we sent yesterday:

References:

1. "Balch Springs police fire Officer Roy Oliver, who fatally shot Jordan Edwards with rifle," Dallas News, 05-02-2017
https://act.colorofchange.org/go/7863?t=5&akid=7389.872082.SEdRXW

Jordan Edwards did not deserve to die.

https://d11gn0ip9m46ig.cloudfront.net/images/jordanedwardscrop.jpg

Demand the officer who killed him is fired and criminally charged.

TAKE ACTION! (https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/justice-for-jordan-edwards/?t=7&akid=7389.872082.SEdRXW)

Chris,

He was a kid. Only 15 years old. An honor roll high school freshman in Balch Springs, Texas. His family described him as a "loving child with a humble and sharing spirit."1 But no matter what kind of grades he had, we know one thing: he didn't deserve to die.

On Saturday night, Jordan Edwards left a party with his friends at the same time that police arrived--responding to a call about “drunken” teenagers walking around. One of the officers fired a rifle at the car Jordan was a passenger in, striking and killing him.2 His brother, who was in the car with him, watched him die right before his eyes. The police chief, Jonathan Haber, tried to justify the killing and claimed the car was backing down the road "in an aggressive manner” towards the officers.3

But that was a lie. After reviewing police dash-cam footage, the police chief revealed the car was actually driving away from officers.4

Demand the Balch Springs police officer is fired and criminally charged for the killing of Jordan Edwards. (https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/justice-for-jordan-edwards/?t=8&akid=7389.872082.SEdRXW)

Regardless, the officer violated Balch Springs PD’s official use-of-force policy which states that officers facing an oncoming car should “attempt to move out of its path, if possible, instead of discharging a firearm at it or any of its occupants.”5 Yet, the officer who shot and killed Jordan is still employed, on paid administrative leave, and Balch Springs PD is protecting the officers' identity and keeping it secret. Dallas County Sheriff's Department and the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office are investigating this incident to determine criminal charges, but that’s not enough. Time and time again, officers get away with murder and face no accountability. The family of Jordan Edwards is demanding that the officer is fired AND criminally charged. Will you join their call for justice and sign the petition?

Jordan Edwards didn't deserve to die. Sign the petition to fire and criminally charge the officer who killed him. (https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/justice-for-jordan-edwards/?t=9&akid=7389.872082.SEdRXW)

This keeps happening--and it’s sickening. A family suffers and mourns the loss of a loved one because of police officers’ cruel and thoughtless actions. Then they are left seeking answers and justice that often never comes. Police violence continues to harm our communities at an alarming rate. Jordan Edwards is the 105th Black person to be killed by police this year--and we are only five months into 2017.6

Just the mere presence of a Black person is deemed threatening to officers. We’ve seen this time and time again. In Ohio, a 12 year old Tamir Rice, a Black boy just playing with a toy in a park, gunned down by police. Officer not charged. In Baltimore, six officers assaulted and killed Freddie Gray while in custody. All officers acquitted. In Ferguson, Darren Wilson killed unarmed 18-year-old Michael Brown who had his hands raised. Officer not charged. In New York City, NYPD officer Daniel Pantaleo killed Eric Garner by putting the unarmed 43-year-old Black man in a chokehold. Officer not charged. The story repeats itself, and we need this to stop now.

Tell Balch Springs Police Chief Jonathan Haber and Dallas District Attorney Faith Johnson: Hold the officer who killed Jordan Edwards accountable--fire and charge them. (https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/justice-for-jordan-edwards/?t=10&akid=7389.872082.SEdRXW)

Jordan Edwards and his family deserve justice. Jordan should still be alive, going to school, hanging out with friends, happy with his family. With an ever increasing white supremacist, right-wing agenda set by local and national elected leaders, desperate to control and criminalize Black people -- the attack on our communities is staggering and frightening. As we see with the Trump Administration’s push to validate police departments’ awful behavior and wipe away all transparency and accountability. We must put an end to state violence. Black people deserve the right live freely with dignity.

Sign the petition. (https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/justice-for-jordan-edwards/?t=11&akid=7389.872082.SEdRXW)

Until justice is real,

Rashad, Arisha, Scott, Anay, Clarise, Enchanta, Malaya, Katrese, and the rest of the Color Of Change team


References:

1. "15-year-old's brother watched him die after police shooting, family says," The Dallas Morning News, 05-01-2017
https://act.colorofchange.org/go/7851?t=13&akid=7389.872082.SEdRXW

2. Ibid.

3. "Police chief reveals new details about officer who fatally shot Texas teen," CBS News, 05-02-2017
http://act.colorofchange.org/go/7852?t=15&akid=7389.872082.SEdRXW

4. Ibid.

5. Ibid.

6. "Mapping Police Violence," mappingpoliceviolence.org, retrieved 05-02-2017
https://act.colorofchange.org/go/7854?t=17&akid=7389.872082.SEdRXW


Color Of Change (http://act.colorofchange.org/go/3829?t=19&akid=7389.872082.SEdRXW) is building a movement to elevate the voices of Black folks and our allies, and win real social and political change. Help keep our movement strong. (https://act.colorofchange.org/go/7581?t=20&akid=7389.872082.SEdRXW)

If you're absolutely sure you don't want to hear from Color Of Change again, click here to unsubscribe.

[ckaihatsu]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2017/05/06/texas-police-officer-who-killed-black-teen-could-spend-rest-of-his-life-in-prison/?utm_term=.ad29c0a61dbc

https://news.google.com


Post Nation

Texas police officer who killed black teen could spend rest of his life in prison

By Cleve R. Wootson Jr., Peter Holley, Lindsey Bever and Wesley Lowery May 6 at 10:31 AM

Officer charged with murder after shooting unarmed black teen in Dallas suburb Play Video1:30

A suburban Dallas police officer was charged with murder after killing 15-year-old Jordan Edwards on April 29. (Monica Akhtar, Victoria Walker/The Washington Post)

A Texas police officer turned himself in on Friday after he was charged with murder in the shooting death of a 15 year old.

Roy Durwood Oliver, a patrol officer in the Dallas suburb of Balch Springs since July 2011, was released on $300,000 bail.

While dispatched on complaints about drunk teenagers at a party last weekend, Oliver fired his rifle at a car full of teenagers who were leaving, according to investigators, killing Jordan Edwards.

The police department fired Oliver on Tuesday.

If convicted of the murder charge, he could spend the rest of his life in prison. In a statement released Friday, Jordan’s family said the charge “brings hope that the justice system will bend against the overwhelming weight of our frustration.”

A funeral for the Mesquite High School freshman is scheduled for Saturday.

https://img.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2017/05/RoyOliver-240x300.jpg
Roy Oliver (Parker Count Jail booking photo.)

Because Jordan was black, the shooting has thrust the north Texas town of 25,000 into the ongoing debate about whether police are too quick to use deadly force on blacks and other minorities.

Jordan is the youngest of the 339 people shot and killed by police so far in 2017, according to a Washington Post database tracking such shootings. At least 10 people shot and killed by police this year were under 18.

On April 29, Oliver and other officers were dispatched to a call about intoxicated teens at a house party. Police say that as officers dispersed the party, they heard gunshots outside. Then, when officers went to investigate, they saw a car backing out of a parking spot. As officers approached the vehicle, police say it began to drive away. Oliver opened fire, striking Jordan, who was riding in the passenger seat.

Jordan was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The Dallas County Medical Examiner’s office said he was killed by a rifle wound to the head. His family planned to bury him on Saturday.

Oliver was initially placed on administrative leave before he was fired just three days into the investigation. Parallel criminal and internal investigations are ongoing.

“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,” Melinda Urbina, a public information officer with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, said in a statement.

“The investigation into the death of Jordan Edwards will continue and does not conclude with the arrest of Roy Oliver,” the statement added.

[Police have killed nearly 200 people who were in moving vehicles since 2015, including 15-year-old Jordan Edwards]

Oliver, the second officer at the scene that night, “violated several department polices,” Balch Springs Police Spokesman Pedro Gonzalez said, without elaborating.

“After reviewing the findings I have made the decision to terminate Roy Oliver’s employment with the Balch Springs Police Department,” Police Chief Jonathan Haber told reporters Tuesday evening. “My department will continue to be responsive, transparent and accountable.”

https://img.washingtonpost.com/wp-apps/imrs.php?src=https://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_960w/2010-2019/Wires/Images/2017-05-06/AP/Police_Shooting_Teen_Killed_61947-2cdbb.jpg&w=1484
This undated family photo provided by Edwards family attorney Lee Merritt shows Jordan Edwards, left, posing for a photo with his father, Odell Edwards. (Courtesy of Lee Merritt/Edwards family via AP)

Police initially said that the vehicle reversed “aggressively” at the approaching officers, but they later retracted that statement and said that body camera video showed that the vehicle was driving away from officers when Oliver opened fire.

In the family’s statement, released Friday after a warrant was issued for Oliver’s arrest, Attorney Lee Merritt called the charges “appropriate.”

“Although this does not take away the excruciating pain caused by the loss of a son, brother, and friend, the announcement that the appropriate warrant has been issued for the arrest of Roy Oliver on the charge of murder has brought a bit of reprieve in a time of intense (mourning),” the statement said.

As the officer’s murder case moves forward, Oliver has the right to appeal his termination. His attorney, Cindy Stormer, called for patience in a statement provided to the Dallas Morning News.


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testtest

[ckaihatsu]

Join Jordan Edwards' family, demand a special prosecutor


Justice is still NOT served.

https://d11gn0ip9m46ig.cloudfront.net/images/Justice_for_Jordan_Edwards-2-fb.jpg (https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/special-prosecutor-for-jordan-edwards-case/?t=1&akid=7451.872082.RDD0zm)

Demand DA Faith Johnson appoints a special prosecutor who will be fair and fight for the Edwards family.

TAKE ACTION! (https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/special-prosecutor-for-jordan-edwards-case/?t=2&akid=7451.872082.RDD0zm)


Chris,

The Edwards family was forced to do the unthinkable -- say goodbye to their son, their brother, a young child with hopes and dreams that will no longer be seen. No family should endure such pain. After being fired, Jordan Edwards’ killer has been charged with murder -- it is a crucial first step, but it doesn’t ensure justice will be served.

That’s why Jordan Edwards’ family is calling for the assignment of a special independent prosecutor to the case. District Attorney Faith Johnson did the only logical thing in charging someone who murdered a child, but there is no time for politics to interfere. DA Johnson, who’s up for election in 2018, is too close to the Balch Springs Police--we need someone who will center the family first. DA Faith Johnson must show real leadership and allow for a special prosecutor who will be fair, impartial, convict Roy Oliver, and investigate all wrongdoing by holding the entire Balch Springs Police Department accountable.

Tell DA Faith Johnson to appoint a special prosecutor to the Jordan Edwards case. (https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/special-prosecutor-for-jordan-edwards-case/?t=3&akid=7451.872082.RDD0zm)

It was almost two weeks ago when Jordan and his brothers were leaving a party and Roy Oliver shot at the vehicle, killing Jordan right in front of his brothers. This is the nightmare his brothers will have to live with for the rest of their lives -- witnessing their brother Jordan die right before their eyes. That is a trauma that cannot be undone. To make this heinous crime even more tragic, Balch Springs Police Chief Jonathan Haber and all the officers involved lied and attempted to cover it all up. Roy Oliver had a history of anger and aggression yet Balch Springs Police Department still allowed for him to be a police officer. The man, who killed Jordan Edwards should not have been a police officer in first place.

But this is more than about just one officer or even one police department -- this is about the entire dangerous culture of policing in the U.S. (https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/special-prosecutor-for-jordan-edwards-case/?t=4&akid=7451.872082.RDD0zm)

Prosecutors hold a key elected position in holding law enforcement accountable. Yet, time and time again, prosecutors have failed to do their job and have failed to implement real systemic changes to policing. In Chicago, former Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez waited 13 months to bring charges against the Chicago police officer who shot teenager Laquan McDonald 16 times in October 2014. In Ohio, former Cuyahoga County district attorney Tim McGinty oversaw grand jury proceedings that led to no charges being filed against the officers responsible for the death of 12-year-old Tamir Rice.1 Too many times, prosecutors have been notorious for letting cops off the hook because they would rather seek convictions that ultimately criminalize Black people and polish up their “tough on crime” stance that they think will get them re-elected. There is no time to have a prosecutor who cares more about holding onto power. Instead, there should be a special prosecutor who will put the Edwards family first.

A special prosecutor is needed to ensure there is real transparency in the case. Demand DA Faith Johnson does the right thing and removes herself from the case. (https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/special-prosecutor-for-jordan-edwards-case/?t=5&akid=7451.872082.RDD0zm)

The painful reality is that the Edwards family is among a long list of Black families forced to live without their loved ones because of racist policing and state violence. Jordan should be alive today. For years, our communities have been building power on the ground to drastically change the criminal justice system and put an end to police brutality. The fight won’t stop. With U.S. Attorney Jeff Sessions already working hard to roll back police reform at the federal level, local prosecutors must step up and do better to implement real changes in policing. A prosecutor should work tirelessly to honor the victim and do all they can to make sure that families get the closure they need. That is why local prosecutors must know if they remain on the wrong side of history and choose bad cops over protecting our people, then our cries for justice will grow stronger. District Attorney Faith Johnson needs to respect the wishes of the Edwards family now.

Sign the petition. (https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/special-prosecutor-for-jordan-edwards-case/?t=6&akid=7451.872082.RDD0zm)

Until justice is real,

Rashad, Arisha, Scott, Anay, Clarise, Enchanta, Malaya, Katrese, and the rest of the Color Of Change team


References:

1. "Big Wins for Black Lives Matters," Slate, 03-16-2016 http://act.colorofchange.org/go/7033?t=8&akid=7451.872082.RDD0zm


Color Of Change (http://act.colorofchange.org/go/3829?t=10&akid=7451.872082.RDD0zm) is building a movement to elevate the voices of Black folks and our allies, and win real social and political change. Help keep our movement strong. (https://act.colorofchange.org/go/7581?t=11&akid=7451.872082.RDD0zm)

If you're absolutely sure you don't want to hear from Color Of Change again, click here to unsubscribe.

[ckaihatsu]

The fight is not over for Jordan Edwards!


Dear Chris,

The Edwards family was forced to do the unthinkable -- say goodbye to their son, their brother, a young child with hopes and dreams that will no longer be seen. No family should endure such pain. After being fired, Jordan Edwards’ killer has been charged with murder -- it is a crucial first step, but it doesn’t ensure justice will be served.

That’s why Jordan Edwards’ family is calling for the assignment of a special independent prosecutor to the case.1 District Attorney Faith Johnson did the only logical thing in charging someone who murdered a child, but there is no time for politics to interfere. DA Johnson, who’s up for election in 2018, is too close to the Balch Springs Police--we need someone who will center the family first. DA Faith Johnson must show real leadership and allow for a special prosecutor who will be fair, impartial, convict Roy Oliver, and investigate all wrongdoing by holding the entire Balch Springs Police Department accountable.

Tell DA Faith Johnson to appoint a special prosecutor to the JordanEdwards case. (https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/special-prosecutor-for-jordan-edwards-case/source=moveon)

It was just over a month ago when Jordan and his brothers were leaving a party and Roy Oliver shot at the vehicle, killing Jordan right in front of his brothers. This is the nightmare his brothers will have to live with for the rest of their lives -- witnessing their brother Jordan die right before their eyes. That is a trauma that cannot be undone. To make this heinous crime even more tragic, Balch Springs Police Chief Jonathan Haber and all the officers involved lied and attempted to cover it all up. Roy Oliver had a history of anger and aggression yet Balch Springs Police Department still allowed for him to be a police officer. The man, who killed Jordan Edwards should not have been a police officer in first place.

But this is more than about just one officer or even one police department -- this is about the entire dangerous culture of policing in the U.S. (https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/special-prosecutor-for-jordan-edwards-case/source=moveon)

Prosecutors hold a key elected position in holding law enforcement accountable. Yet, time and time again, prosecutors have failed to do their job and have failed to implement real systemic changes to policing. In Chicago, former Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez waited 13 months to bring charges against the Chicago police officer who shot teenager Laquan McDonald 16 times in October 2014. In Ohio, former Cuyahoga County district attorney Tim McGinty oversaw grand jury proceedings that led to no charges being filed against the officers responsible for the death of 12-year-old Tamir Rice.2 Too many times, prosecutors have been notorious for letting cops off the hook because they would rather seek convictions that ultimately criminalize Black people and polish up their “tough on crime” stance that they think will get them re-elected. There is no time to have a prosecutor who cares more about holding onto power. Instead, there should be a special prosecutor who will put the Edwards family first.

A special prosecutor is needed to ensure there is real transparency in the case. Demand DA Faith Johnson does the right thing and removes herself from the case. (https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/special-prosecutor-for-jordan-edwards-case/source=moveon)

The painful reality is that the Edwards family is among a long list of Black families forced to live without their loved ones because of racist policing and state violence. Jordan should be alive today. For years, our communities have been building power on the ground to drastically change the criminal justice system and put an end to police brutality. The fight won’t stop. With U.S. Attorney Jeff Sessions already working hard to roll back police reform at the federal level, local prosecutors must step up and do better to implement real changes in policing. A prosecutor should work tirelessly to honor the victim and do all they can to make sure that families get the closure they need. That is why local prosecutors must know if they remain on the wrong side of history and choose bad cops over protecting our people, then our cries for justice will grow stronger. District Attorney Faith Johnson needs to respect the wishes of the Edwards family now.

Sign the petition. (https://act.colorofchange.org/sign/special-prosecutor-for-jordan-edwards-case/source=moveon)

Until justice is real,

Rashad, Arisha, Scott, Anay, Clarise, Enchanta, Malaya, Katrese, and the rest of the Color Of Change team


References:

1. "Family of Jordan Edwards Wants Independent Prosecutor For Case and Systematic Change in Policing," NBCDFW.COM, 05-09-2017 http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Jordan-Edwards-Change-Prosecutor-421723814.html

2. "Big Wins for Black Lives Matters," Slate, 03-16-2016 http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/crime/2016/03/the_prosecutors_in_the_tamir_rice_and_laquan_mcdon ald_cases_lose_their_primary.html




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