Travis County, Texas – Jury selection is set to commence on Tuesday for the trial of two former Williamson County deputies who are facing charges of manslaughter in the death of Javier Ambler. Ambler, a former postal worker, died during a law enforcement pursuit in March 2019 involving former deputies James Johnson and Zachary Camden. The chase came to an end in north Austin and was being filmed for the A&E reality show Live PD. However, the footage of the incident was never aired on television and subsequently destroyed.
According to indictments, prosecutors alleged that Johnson and Camden acted recklessly by restraining Ambler while using a stun gun. This occurred after authorities stated that Ambler had expressed difficulty breathing and had a health condition. Both defendants were charged with manslaughter.
In a recent court hearing, attorneys representing Johnson and Camden requested clarification regarding what could be discussed during jury selection and in court. They also requested that two other cases related to Ambler’s death only be mentioned as necessary during their clients’ trial.
It should be noted that the trial was delayed due to the need for additional preparation for the separate trial of former Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody and former county prosecutor Jason Nassour. Both Chody and Nassour are facing charges of tampering with evidence in relation to Ambler’s death.
Following the completion of jury selection, the trial for Johnson and Camden is scheduled to begin on February 26.