The mother of Jordan Edwards, the teen killed by a Balch Springs police officer earlier this year, is speaking out.
Shaunkeyia Stephens says she received a glimmer of hope earlier this week when former officer Roy Oliver was indicted for murder.
In a statement Wednesday, Stephens said:
"The last 82 days have been extremely difficult, punctuated by moments of disbelief, heartbreak and deep sadness. On Monday, I received a glimmer of hope when the man responsible for shooting and killing my son, Jordan Edwards, was indicted by the Grand Jury for murder.
"I am thankful for the hard work and perseverance of the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office in their careful, swift and vigilant investigation of this case to prosecute Roy Oliver. My son did not deserve to lose his life by any means, particularly not at the very hands of those who have taken an oath to serve and protect him. The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office pledged to work to ensure that Roy Oliver would be held responsible for his actions and be brought to justice and made to answer for his crimes. It has made good on that promise, and while fulfilling this promise does not make the pain of Jordan’s loss any easier to bear, I am heartened that our legal system is working toward justice for my beloved son. His life has been cruelly cut short and we have been robbed of his love, his joy and his vibrant spirit.
"While I am encouraged by the indictment of Roy Oliver, I am aware that much hard work lies ahead, and I ask for your prayers for my family as the trial process begins. His siblings and I recognize that reliving the last moments of Jordan’s life is a necessary part of the legal process, but it will also be incredibly painful. I am heartbroken at the prospect; but, we will not allow Jordan’s death to be another statistic, and Jordan himself to be yet another victim of brutally inhumane police behavior. I pray that this case will not only result in Roy Oliver being held fully responsible for his actions; but that it will also force Police Departments nationwide to address the cultural and environmental factors that promote violent and lethal action against innocent civilians. I continue to pray that Jordan’s death will be a catalyst for positive change in the attitudes, behaviors, and civic responsibility in way we hold our government, our city and our police force accountable."
Oliver, 37, was indicted on a charge of murder in connection with the fatal shooting.
In a response issued by Oliver and his attorneys Tuesday, Oliver denied the allegations against him and said his actions the night of the shooting were reasonable and not clearly excessive.
The document goes on to state Oliver felt he was in imminent danger and his response was necessary. See the document and read more of Oliver's account here.
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On Thursday, lawyers representing the family released the following statement, refuting Oliver's claims.
