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Edwards family ‘doesn’t want Jordan to be the poster of politics’

"We don't get into politics," Odell Edwards said. "We just want justice for our son."

DALLAS – One day after former officer Roy Oliver was sentenced to 15 years for the murder of Jordan Edwards, the message from the family’s attorneys was clear about protests and backlash against prosecutors, including Dallas County District Attorney Faith Johnson:

“This family doesn't want Jordan to be the poster of politics,” family civil attorney Daryl K. Washington said.

Next Generation Action Network leader Dominique Alexander said in a post on social media late Wednesday night blasting Johnson as “an enemy of the first amendment” and “not a friend of the movement against police brutality.”

Edwards family attorney Jasmine Crockett, though, called the 15-year prison sentence “a huge feat” and lauded Johnson for a conviction against an officer Dallas County hadn’t seen in more than four decades.

In a rare event for a district attorney, Johnson was present for the entire trial against Roy Oliver, even questioning witnesses and delivering closing arguments for the prosecution. Crockett mentioned the trials for the officers who killed Alton Sterling and Walter Scott – neither of which led to a conviction at the local level.

“Trying to be divisive at such a monumental time in our country, I just don’t think it’s the right time,” Crockett said. "I don't believe that's the way to accomplish anything."

“We’re not looking at this as black vs. white, or Republicans vs. Democrats, we’re looking at this as justice,” Washington said. “[People need to] put politics aside and look at what this district attorney’s office has done for this family.”

Related: Jordan Edwards attorneys hope murder of ‘perfect victim’ will bring 'better policing'

Since Jordan’s death last year, his family has called for change rather than protest – something lead prosecutor Michael Snipes referenced in closing arguments during the trial. Alexander’s post on social media accused Snipes of “equating protests with violence” and claimed protests were being suppressed.

Attorneys on Thursday reiterated the desire not to make Jordan’s murder a political issue.

“Growing up black in America, you almost come out of the womb understanding that we didn’t get here but for protest,” Crockett said Thursday. “I get that, but at the same time [...] you have to respect the loss of a life and you have to respect the family’s wishes.”

“We don’t want to get into the politics of what’s been going on with the activists, because we need activists. We need those individuals on the ground doing this type of work bringing attention to injustices,” Washington said. “But right now, it’s about this family. They’re dealing with the loss of their son. To get them here to be able to talk about it and let other families know what they’re involved in, that’s the focus right now.”

Watch the family's entire Thursday press conference below or here.

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