Travis County Jury Acquits Former Deputies Charged with Manslaughter

Travis County, TX — – On Thursday, March 7, 2024, a Travis County jury acquitted former Williamson County Deputies J.J. Johnson and Zach Camden of Manslaughter.

Jury selection began on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, with testimony starting on Monday, February 26, 2024. On Thursday, March 7, 2024, the jury deliberated and, on the same day, found Mr. Johnson and Mr. Camden not guilty of
Manslaughter.

On March 30, 2021, Mr. Johnson and Mr. Camden were indicted for the offense of Manslaughter for the death of Javier Ambler in March 2019.

The case against Mr. Johnson and Mr. Camdem was tried by the Director of Civil Rights and Appeals Division, Dexter Gilford, Assistant Director of Civil Rights and Appeals Division, Holly Taylor, and Assistant District Attorneys Destinee Williams and Jeff Flanagan.

“Our hearts continue to break for the family of Javier Ambler,” said Travis County District Attorney José Garza. “We hoped that 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.”

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