Jury selection to start Tuesday for former Williamson County deputies in Javier Ambler case

TRAVIS COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) -- Jury selection begins Tuesday for two former Williamson County deputies charged with manslaughter in the death of Javier Ambler.

Ambler, a former postal worker, died during a law enforcement chase in March 2019 with former Williamson County Sheriff's Office deputies James Johnson and Zachary Camden, which ended in north Austin. Johnson and Camden were being filmed by the reality show "Live PD," which aired on A&E at the time, and the footage of the incident never aired on television and was destroyed.

Prosecutors claimed Johnson and Camden acted recklessly in restraining Ambler while using a stun gun, which occurred after authorities said Ambler said he could not breathe and had a health condition, according to indictments.

Earlier this month, attorneys for Johnson and Camden appeared before the 299th District Court. During the hearing, the prosecution and defense expressed they wanted to clarify what could or could not be said during jury selection and court.

Those attorneys also wanted to ensure that two other cases connected to Ambler's death only be mentioned as needed during Johnson and Camden's trial.

This comes after prosecutors and the defense said they needed more time to prepare for the trial of former WCSO Sheriff Robert Chody and former county prosecutor Jason Nassour. Both were charged with tampering with evidence related to Ambler's death.

Following the jury selection for Johnson and Camden, the trial will begin on Feb. 26.