POLICE Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Former TX Officer Indicted on Murder Charge, Says Shot Teen Out of Fear for Partner's Safety

A former Dallas-area police officer was indicted Monday on murder and other charges in a deadly April encounter in which authorities said he fired at a car, killing a 15-year-old passenger. The former officer says he fired because he feared for his partner's safety.

July 19, 2017

A former Dallas-area police officer was indicted Monday on murder and other charges in a deadly April encounter in which authorities said he fired at a car, killing a 15-year-old passenger, reports CNN . The former officer says he fired because he feared for his partner's safety.

Roy Oliver, 37, formerly of the Balch Springs (TX) Police Department, was indicted by a grand jury on one count of murder in the death of Jordan Edwards and four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon by a public servant in connection with the four other people in the car, Dallas County District Attorney Faith Johnson said.

Ad Loading...

Oliver "discharged multiple rounds from his patrol rifle as the vehicle drove past him" on April 29, according to an arrest warrant. One bullet struck Jordan as the teenager rode in the car with the group, including two brothers.

The five were driving away from a house party after reportedly hearing shots. Jordan died from a fatal gunshot wound to the head, the Dallas County medical examiner's office said.

Oliver shared his story of what happened in response to a civil lawsuit. The lawsuit was filed by the father of 15-year-old Jordan Edwards, reports Fox News .

In his response to the civil suit, Oliver said he was backing up another officer. He said they heard six to 10 gunshots as they were investigating the party.

The former officer said he saw the car leaving and his partner ordered it to stop. He said the car accelerated and passed him.

Oliver said his partner was just a few inches from the car. He saw movement in the back seat and heard breaking glass near his partner. He fired three to five shots from about 10 to 15 feet away because he feared for himself and others.

Ad Loading...

More Patrol

Thumbnail for POLICE video From theShow Floor: Traka
Patrolby Wayne ParhamOctober 30, 2025

From the Show Floor: Traka

Join POLICE as we visit with Steve Atkinson of Traka and learn about the company’s asset management cabinets and key lockers.

Read More →
image of conference stage top left, inset image of two men standing at right, and lower left logo for Team Wendy
PatrolOctober 29, 2025

Team Wendy Shares New DREW Data During Personal Armour Systems Symposium

Team Wendy shared data about DREW, a biofidelic helmet-test rig built to simulate real head-to-ground falls and capture both linear and rotational head motion, during the recent Personal Armour Systems Symposium in Belgium.

Read More →
Images for three athletes - discus, weightlifting, baseball, and inset image of San Diego highway sign and logo for 2026 US Police and Fire Championships.
PatrolOctober 28, 2025

2026 US Police and Fire Championships to Unite First Responders in San Diego for 59th Annual Event

The 2026 US Police and Fire Championships, featuring more than 35 Olympic-style events and new competitions, will return to San Diego, California.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Collage of police officers and a firefighter with FOX & Frends logo.
PatrolOctober 27, 2025

FOX News Channel’s FOX & Friends to Host Live Audience for National First Responders Day

In honor of National First Responders Day, FOX News Channel’s FOX & Friends will host a live audience made up of first responders and their families. Police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other emergency personnel have been invited to attend the live program.

Read More →
patrolfinder - reducing crime thumbnail
SponsoredOctober 27, 2025

How One Police Department Cut Crime by 46% with Smarter Patrol Management

Discover how one police department cut crime nearly in half using smarter patrol data. This whitepaper breaks down the real-world strategy behind a 46% drop in vehicle thefts, improved officer safety, and stronger community visibility.

Read More →
black background with graphic image showing how police response times can be shortened and officer better informed.
PatrolOctober 26, 2025

Axon Ecosystem Advancements Connect Critical Moments of Public Safety Response

Last week, during IACP 2025, Axon unveiled what it called the next evolution of its connected public safety ecosystem. Key launches included Prepared by Axon, new Axon Assistant and Axon Air Drone as First Responder (DFR) capabilities, and Community Shield and Community Link.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Thumbnail for video series POLICE Topics, Tactics & Tips with a yellow headline that reads When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer Instead of Waiting for EMS?
Patrolby Wayne ParhamOctober 26, 2025

When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer Instead of Waiting for EMS?

Thumbnail for video series POLICE Topics, Tactics & Tips with a yellow headline that reads When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer Instead of Waiting for EMS?

Read More →
Safariland header photo
Sponsoredby David ReederOctober 22, 2025

Is Your Duty Holster Duty Rated?

The first – and worst – time I had to fight to keep my gun, my holster and duty belt held up far better than my training did.

Read More →
small pen like flashlight against a blue background with inset Streamlight logo.
PatrolOctober 22, 2025

Streamlight Releases the Ultra-Thin Wedge SL

Streamlight has launched the Wedge SL, an ultra-thin, USB-C rechargeable light designed for users who want pocketable power.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Thumbnail for video series POLICE Topics, Tactics & Tips episode More IACP from the Show Floor
Patrolby Wayne ParhamOctober 22, 2025

More IACP 2025 From the Show Floor

Watch expanded coverage of IACP 2025 as the POLICE Magazine team walks the aisles at the expo and shares what we found interesting on display for chiefs from across the country and around the world this week in Denver, Colorado.

Read More →