Police shoot dead black straight-A student

An unarmed black teenager has become the latest, and youngest, to be killed by US police officers this year.

Fifteen-year-old Jordan Edwards was shot and killed by an officer in Balch Springs, Texas, on Saturday night (local time).

Balch Springs Police Department said it had been responding to reports of drunk youths walking around the neighbourhood.

Initially police said officers heard and went to investigate gunshots when they came across a vehicle "backing down the street towards the officers in an aggressive manner".

They later retracted that statement, saying the car backed down the street and was driving away from the officers when one opened fire.

When the officer shot into the car, they hit Jordan, who was a passenger. He died in hospital from a rifle wound to the head, the Dallas County Medical Examiner's office said, which ruled the death a homicide.

On Monday, Balch Springs Police Chief Jonathan Haber admitted he "misspoke", after watching the police video of the incident.

Jordan's family have called for the officer, who has not been named, to be arrested and charged.

Mr Haber said the officer has been placed on administrative leave and their use of force is under review.

"It did not meet our core values, it did not follow our values," he told media.

Lee Merritt, the Edwards' family attorney, said they are "declaring war on bad policing".

"This has happened far too often. We're tired of making same rhetorical demands. Our community is fed up," he said.

He said he talked to the other teenagers who were in the car with Jordan at the time and said the person behind the wheel wasn't driving dangerously.

The group were leaving the party after hearing gunshots, Mr Merritt said.

"They were simply leaving a party where they believed danger was, so I can't wrap my mind around why an officer decided to shoot into the car."

Mr Merritt said Jordan was a straight-A student, beloved by his classmates, and a standout athlete.

"We've heard excuses before in the past: You know why it happens, because the dads aren't present. That excuse isn't here. Or the kid was violent. That excuse isn't present here."

One of Jordan's friends and teammates, Chris Cano Jr, remembered the teen as a great athlete.

"Best running back I ever played with, and I'll never forget him," he said.

"I still can't believe it. I want to see his smile again."

No officers were injured in the incident and Mr Merritt said there was no evidence any of the teenagers in the car had been drinking.

Newshub.