Javier Ambler
On March 28, 2019, African American Javier Ambler was killed in an attempted detention in Austin, Texas. The police beat Ambler and used tasers on him on several occasions, although his only fault was failing to dim his headlights to oncoming traffic.
Police officers continued to use tasers against the detainee, despite the fact that Ambler warned them about his breathing problems and heart issues. An autopsy revealed that Javier had died of cardiac failure and cardiovascular hypertension. Formally, Javier’s death is regarded as homicide.
Ambler’s death sparked protests in Austin. The police did not release the bodycam footages for a long time and even tried to destroy them. As of April, it is known that charges of tampering with evidence of a crime and homicide have been brought against the police. The Ambler family is seeking justice.
MASS MEDIA ABOUT THE CASE:
A death-in-custody report filed with the Texas attorney general’s office — a procedure required any time a person dies in police custody — said Ambler did not attempt to, nor did he assault deputies; he did not verbally threaten others; nor attempt to get control of any officers’ weapons.
Bodycam footage shows Ambler telling deputies he suffered from congestive heart failure as they pinned him down and struggled to place him in handcuffs behind his back.
“I am not resisting,” Ambler cried. “Sir, I can’t breathe. … Please. … Please.”
When the deputies noticed Ambler was unconscious and that his heart had stopped they performed CPR. Ambler was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Former Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody is accused of destroying or concealing audio and video footage that showed his deputies pursuing and using force on Ambler, according to an indictment against him from September.
CASE STATUS:
The FBI initiative group requested clarifications on the current case from US President Joseph Biden, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Attorney General Merrick Garland. The initiative group considers it important to combat police violence and, if necessary, can provide legal and informational assistance to the Ambler family.
