On day 6 of the Javier Ambler death trial, Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Keith Pinckard from Travis County provided critical testimony. The trial involves the case of two former Williamson County deputies, James Johnson and Zachary Camden, charged with Ambler’s death.

Testimony of Dr. Keith Pinckard

Dr. Pinckard testified that Ambler’s cause of death was congestive heart failure and hypertensive cardiovascular disease associated with morbid obesity, exacerbated by forcible restraint. The Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office took six months to conclude on the cause of Ambler’s death. The determination was based on Ambler’s health issues, including congestive heart failure and hypertension, compounded by the use of force during the incident.

Recap of Week 1

The trial began with the prosecution presenting evidence of Ambler’s death after the deputies deployed stun guns during his arrest in 2019. The defense inquired whether ceasing the arrest upon learning of Ambler’s breathing difficulties would have saved his life, to which Dr. Pinckard responded negatively. Austin police officer Michael Nissen, a witness, testified that he would not have altered his actions during Ambler’s detainment, emphasizing the need to secure him first for safety.

Next Steps

The state’s case is expected to conclude on Tuesday, followed by the defense presenting its arguments. The defense requested permission for a live demonstration involving tasing defense attorney Ken Ervin, pending the judge’s official ruling.

Future of the Trial

As the trial progresses, the testimony and evidence presented shed light on the events leading to Javier Ambler’s tragic death. The forthcoming proceedings will further determine the accountability of the involved parties in this case.

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