DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) – The former Balch Springs Police Officer indicted for murder says he was justified in the shooting death of teenager Jordan Edwards.
In a 22 page filing responding to a wrongful death civil suit against him by Edwards’ parents, Roy Oliver made several claims that he believes justify his actions.
Daryl Washington is an Edwards family attorney and disputes those claims.
“We have a term that we use in litigation known as a fishing expedition,” said Washington. “And that’s what he’s on is a fishing expedition.”
Oliver’s statement said at least one person with Edwards had a gun and was gang affiliated, contributing to his decision to shoot. He also said that someone in the car had gun residue on them.
“We know that known of the individuals in the car were tested for gun residue other than Jordan Edwards,” said Attorney Lee Merritt. “And we know that Jordan was illegally handled by Roy Oliver himself.”
Edwards was a passenger in a car that was allegedly moving away from Police when shots were fired through the window. Police were responding to reports of a party with underage drinking. Merritt said he believes the purpose of Oliver’s claims are to sway public opinion. The filing also indicated that Oliver may decide to ask for a jury trial to be held outside of Dallas County where the offense occurred.
“Dallas County is a largely democratic County,” said Attorney Jasmine Crockett. “The liberal standpoint makes them fearful.”
Crockett said Oliver’s attorneys would have to prove that public perceptions could be harmful to the case before it was moved to another county.
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