Current:Home > reviewsSurpassing:Two former Texas deputies have been acquitted in the death of a motorist following a police chase -VitalWealth Strategies
Surpassing:Two former Texas deputies have been acquitted in the death of a motorist following a police chase
Poinbank Exchange View
Date:2025-04-07 09:33:14
Two former Texas deputies have Surpassingbeen acquitted in the death of a Black motorist who was shot several times with a stun gun following a police chase that was filmed by the now-canceled real-time police TV series “Live PD.”
A Travis County jury on Thursday found former Williamson County deputies Zach Camden and J.J. Johnson not guilty on manslaughter charges in the 2019 death of 40-year-old Javier Ambler II.
Following the verdict, Ambler’s father, Javier Ambler, embraced both Johnson, who is Black, and Camden, who is white, saying “no hard feelings,” before leaving the courtroom, according to local media reports.
Defense attorney Ken Ervin called the charges a “travesty” and said prosecutors were forced to bring the case by Travis County District Attorney José Garza.
“He campaigned specifically on this case prior to his election, and he made them see this through despite the fact there was no crime,” Ervin said.
Garza, in a statement, said his office had hoped the “outcome of this trial would bring justice and closure to the family. We are grateful to our community members who served on the jury for this case, respect their decision, and thank them for their service.”
Ambler had led police, who Johnson had tried to stop because Ambler had failed to dim his headlights to oncoming traffic, on a chase from Williamson County into Travis County before crashing.
Deputies shot him with a stun gun after he exited the vehicle and police body-camera footage showed Ambler telling the deputies he was not resisting and that he could not breathe because of heart problems.
Williamson County officials later agreed to a $5 million wrongful death lawsuit settlement with Ambler’s family.
“Live PD” was canceled by the A&E Network last year. A&E has said its video never aired because of a policy against showing a death.
Both Camden and Johnson resigned shortly after then-Sheriff Robert Chody was defeated for reelection in November 2020.
veryGood! (281)
Related
- Chuck Scarborough signs off: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker tribute legendary New York anchor
- Grand Canyon bus rollover kills 1, leaves more than 50 injured
- Why Keke Palmer Doesn't Want to Set Unrealistic Body Standards Amid Postpartum Journey
- The Mega Millions jackpot has soared to $1.25 billion. Here’s how hard it is to win
- 'As foretold in the prophecy': Elon Musk and internet react as Tesla stock hits $420 all
- Arrest made in Indiana shooting that killed 1, wounded 17
- Overstock.com is revamping using Bed Bath & Beyond's name
- Angus Cloud's Euphoria Costar Maude Apatow Mourns Death of Magical Actor
- 'As foretold in the prophecy': Elon Musk and internet react as Tesla stock hits $420 all
- Order ‘Mexican Gothic’ author Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s new book, ‘Silver Nitrate,’ today
Ranking
- British swimmer Adam Peaty: There are worms in the food at Paris Olympic Village
- FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried’s lawyers say attempt to jail him before trial is wrong
- Former Iowa kicker charged in gambling sting allegedly won a bet on the 2021 Iowa-Iowa St game
- US man alleged to be white supremacist leader extradited from Romania on riot, conspiracy charges
- $1 Frostys: Wendy's celebrates end of summer with sweet deal
- How the Trump fake electors scheme became a ‘corrupt plan,’ according to the indictment
- Rams WR Cooper Kupp leaves practice early with a hamstring injury
- Angus Cloud's Euphoria Costar Maude Apatow Mourns Death of Magical Actor
Recommendation
Bet365 ordered to refund $519K to customers who it paid less than they were entitled on sports bets
Royal Caribbean cruise passenger goes overboard on Spectrum of the Seas ship
Kate Spade 24-Hour Flash Deal: Get This $400 Triple Compartment Shoulder Bag for $89
Amateur baseball mascot charged with joining Capitol riot in red face paint and Trump hat
Judge says Mexican ex-official tried to bribe inmates in a bid for new US drug trial
Former Lizzo dancers accuse her of sexual harassment and racial discrimination
Appeals court casts doubt on Biden administration rule to curb use of handgun stabilizing braces
NASA launch live stream: Watch Antares rocket take off for International Space Station