World Courant
Two former Texas officers have been acquitted within the loss of life of a black motorist who was shot a number of occasions with a stun gun following a police chase filmed by the now-canceled real-time police TV collection “Stay PD.”
A Travis County jury on Thursday discovered former Williamson County deputies Zach Camden and JJ Johnson not responsible of manslaughter expenses within the 2019 loss of life of 40-year-old Javier Ambler II.
After the decision, Ambler’s father, Javier Ambler, hugged each Johnson, who’s black, and Camden, who’s white, and stated “no exhausting emotions” earlier than leaving the courtroom, in keeping with native media studies.
Lawyer Ken Ervin known as the indictment a “travesty” and stated prosecutors have been compelled to convey the case by Travis County District Lawyer José Garza.
“He particularly campaigned on this case previous to his election, and he made positive they introduced this to fruition although there was no crime,” Ervin stated.
Garza stated in a press release that his workplace had hoped the “final result of this trial would convey justice and closure to the household.” We’re grateful to our group members who served on the jury on this case, respect their choice and thank them for his or her service.”
Johnson had tried to cease Ambler for failing to dim his headlights for oncoming visitors, after which Ambler led police on a chase from Williamson County to Travis County earlier than crashing.
Officers shot him with a stun gun after he exited the automobile. Police physique digicam footage confirmed Ambler telling officers that he was not resisting and that he couldn’t breathe resulting from coronary heart issues.
Williamson County officers later agreed to a $5 million wrongful loss of life settlement with Ambler’s household.
“Stay PD” was canceled by the A&E Community final 12 months. A&E has stated the video was by no means aired resulting from a coverage towards exhibiting a loss of life.
Each Camden and Johnson resigned shortly after then-Sheriff Robert Chody was defeated for re-election in November 2020.
