Trial For Ex-Balch Springs Officer Accused In Teen Murder Moved

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM/AP) — The trial for a white former Balch Springs police officer fired and charged with murder after killing an unarmed black teen has been delayed.

The trial for Roy Oliver was set to begin on January 22 but a judge granted a motion by defense attorneys to delay its start until June 25.

Oliver was fired three days after shooting and killing Jordan Edwards. The 15-year-old, his two brothers and two other teenagers were driving away from an unruly house party when prosecutors say the the officer opened fire on their vehicle with a rifle. The bullets shattered the front passenger-side window and struck Edwards.

In court documents, Oliver has said that he and his partner were in fear for their lives when the car carrying the teens sped past them.

Oliver was fired in May for violating department policies and later indicted on a murder charge and four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon by a public servant.

(© Copyright 2017 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)