Current:Home > StocksTwo former Texas deputies have been acquitted in the death of a motorist following a police chase -Dynamic Wealth Solutions
Two former Texas deputies have been acquitted in the death of a motorist following a police chase
View
Date:2025-04-15 17:46:17
Two former Texas deputies have been 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! (729)
Related
- Most popular books of the week: See what topped USA TODAY's bestselling books list
- Sister Wives’ Kody Brown Leaves His and Wife Robyn Brown’s Home After Explosive Fight
- 'Just gave us life': Shohei Ohtani provides spark for Dodgers in playoff debut
- South Korean woman sues government and adoption agency after her kidnapped daughter was sent abroad
- Israel lets Palestinians go back to northern Gaza for first time in over a year as cease
- Taylor Swift's Net Worth Revealed After Becoming a Billionaire
- LeBron James and son Bronny become first father-son duo to play together in NBA history
- Rake it or leave it? What gross stuff may be hiding under those piles on your lawn?
- Selena Gomez's "Weird Uncles" Steve Martin and Martin Short React to Her Engagement
- Fantasy football buy low, sell high: 10 trade targets for Week 6
Ranking
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- Sylvester Stallone's Daughter Sistine Details Terrifying Encounter in NYC
- Alabama's flop at Vanderbilt leads college football Misery Index after Week 6
- Alabama's flop at Vanderbilt leads college football Misery Index after Week 6
- Trump's 'stop
- Madonna’s brother, Christopher Ciccone, has died at 63
- TikToker Taylor Rousseau Grigg’s Husband Speaks Out After Her Death
- Bear with 3 cubs attacks man after breaking into Colorado home
Recommendation
Angelina Jolie nearly fainted making Maria Callas movie: 'My body wasn’t strong enough'
Helene victims face another worry: Bears
Taylor Swift's Net Worth Revealed After Becoming a Billionaire
Jayden Daniels showcases dual-threat ability to keep Commanders running strong
McKinsey to pay $650 million after advising opioid maker on how to 'turbocharge' sales
Holiday shopping begins: Amazon, Walmart, more retailers have big sales events this week
Nobel Prize in Medicine awarded to Americans for microRNA find
Ex-Delaware officer sentenced to probation on assault conviction