The family of Jordan Edwards, the 15-year-old fatally shot Saturday night by a Balch Springs, Texas, police officer wielding a rifle, have released a statement to The Root via their attorney, S. Lee Merritt.
Read the Edwards family’s full statement below:
We would first like to thank everyone for their kind words, thoughts, prayers, and condolences as we mourn the tremendous loss our family and community has suffered. We know that so many of you share in our loss. At this time, we ask that you please be respectful of our family, and allow us the opportunity and space to grieve. This entire ordeal has been inescapable.
Jordan was a loving child, with a humble and sharing spirit. The bond that he shared with his family, particularly his siblings, was indescribable. Not only have Jordan’s brothers lost their best friend; they witnessed firsthand his violent, senseless murder. Their young lives will forever be altered. No one, let alone young children, should witness such horrific, unexplainable violence. While our family attempts to cope with our loss, we ask that at this time the community please refrain from protests and marches in Jordan’s and our family’s name, as we prepare for his funeral. We do not support nor do we condone any violence or threats made against the Balch Springs Police Department or any other law enforcement agencies.
What we desire, only second to having our beloved Jordan back, is JUSTICE FOR JORDAN.
With All of Our Love,
The Edwards Family
As previously reported by The Root, during a news conference Monday afternoon, Balch Springs, Texas, Police Chief Jonathan Haber retracted his earlier statement that the car in which Jordan was traveling Saturday night was “backing down the street toward officers in an aggressive manner.”
Haber claims that he “misspoke” and that the vehicle, which was being driven by Jordan’s 16-year-old brother, was moving away from police officers when one of the officers, whose identity is still being protected, opened fire.
“After reviewing the video, I don’t believe that [the fatal shooting] met our core values,” Haber said.
The Dallas County Medical Examiners Office has ruled Jordan’s death a homicide, which does not mean that criminal charges will be filed.
The officer responsible for Jordan’s death is currently on administrative leave.