Texas police officer sentenced to 15 years

A jury sentenced a former Texas police officer Wednesday to 15 years in prison for shooting to death a 15-year-old African-American boy. Former Balch Springs, Texas, Officer Roy Oliver, who is white, was found guilty of murder for firing his gun into a car full of teenagers in April 2017, killing Jordan Edwards. Charmaine Edwards, Jordan Edward’s stepmother, said she thought the sentence was too lenient: “He can actually see life again after 15 years, and that’s not enough because Jordan can’t see life again.” Oliver’s attorneys said they would appeal. Oliver could be eligible for parole after 7½ years. The jury deliberated late into Wednesday night before settling on a prison sentence, which also included a $10,000 fine.

Oliver’s mother, Linda, told jurors he was a good man and a devoted father and asked for a five-year sentence, saying her young grandson needs his father’s support. Oliver’s wife also testified, saying in Spanish through an interpreter that she was concerned about their 3-year-old son, who is autistic.