Fired officer faces murder charge in teen’s shooting

DALLAS — A Texas police officer who was fired in the wake of the shooting death of 15-year-old Jordan Edwards has been charged with murder, according to an arrest warrant issued Friday.

A warrant for Roy Oliver, a former Balch Springs officer, was issued by a Dallas County judge late Friday afternoon.

"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," according to a statement from the Dallas County Sheriff's Office.

Oliver turned himself in Friday night at the Parker County Jail in Weatherford, Texas, about 95 miles west of Dallas. He posted a $300,000 bond and was released.

Oliver allegedly fired his weapon into a car full of teenagers as the car was leaving a party Saturday night, striking and killing Edwards. 

The Dallas County Medical Examiner's Office has ruled Edwards' death a homicide.

Edwards and his two brothers and two other teenagers were driving away from an unruly house party in Balch Springs, a Dallas suburb, late Saturday night when Oliver opened fire on their vehicle with a rifle. The bullets shattered the front passenger-side window and struck Edwards. Oliver was fired Tuesday for violating department policies.

The story of Edwards’ death has garnered national attention since the shooting. Thousands have called the Dallas County district attorney's office asking for an investigation.

The Mesquite Independent School District released a statement earlier this week offering its sympathies to Edwards' family.

"He was a good student who was very well liked by his teachers, coaches and his fellow students," the statement read in part. "The entire district — especially the staff and students of Mesquite High School — are mourning this terrible loss."

Edwards played football at Mesquite High School.

Contributing: The Associated Press