Closing arguments expected soon in trial for in-custody death of Javier Ambler
Before the jury breaks to deliberate, both sides will give their closing arguments for this case. On Wednesday, the judge told jurors she hoped to have the charge ready for them by lunchtime Thursday.
Editor's Note: The above video is KXAN's previous coverage of the trial.
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The ninth day of trial in the death of Javier Ambler started with the state and defense drafting the official indictment of two former Williamson County Sheriff's deputies accused of causing his death.
After a lengthy workshop into Wednesday evening, prosecutors and defense counsel continued looking at the charge for James Johnson and Zach Camden.
The "charge" officially details for the court what crimes the defendants stand to be convicted of.
In March 2019, Johnson attempted to pull Ambler over for failure to dim headlights, a 20-minute car chase, Ambler having several crashes throughout the pursuit.
The chase ended in a final crash at St. John's and Bethune Avenue. Dashcam footage shows Ambler exiting the vehicle with his hands up, Johnson deploys a taser and Ambler falls to the ground.
Follow Mercedez Hernandez's live updates from the trial.
Camden then arrived at the scene and joined the struggle to detain Ambler, using his taser as well. The pair are accused of acting recklessly by using tasers despite Ambler telling officers he had a heart condition and couldn't breathe.
On Wednesday, before the defense rested its case, one of the defense attorneys was stunned with a taser in a demonstration for the jury.
Drafting continues on former deputies' indictments
Much of Thursday morning consisted of both sides negotiating the indictments for Johnson and Camden.
Once negotiations are complete, Judge Karen Sage will read the charge to the jury - they are to consider it during their deliberations.
Before the jury breaks to deliberate, both sides will give their closing arguments for this case. On Wednesday, Sage told jurors she hoped to have the charge ready for them by lunchtime Thursday.