AUSTIN, Texas — Closing arguments are expected to begin on Thursday in the trial of two former Williamson County deputies charged with manslaughter in the death of Javier Ambler.
The former deputies are accused of using excessive force when they shocked Ambler with a Taser multiple times after a car chase in 2019.
Ambler said he had a heart condition and could not breathe. He died moments later.
On Wednesday, the defense called two witnesses. The first was Anthony Ramirez, a patrol deputy who is a certified Taser instructor.
Ramirez trained Camden and Johnson on how to use Tasers. He testified about how he would respond to a situation like the one involving Ambler, saying that after a car chase, it is appropriate to use a Taser because law enforcement does not know if the suspect has a weapon.
Ramirez said officers' training is to use whatever reasonable force is needed to properly put handcuffs on.
After Ramirez's testimony, the defense called Ben Bloodworth, an instructor at Axon, a company that produces Tasers.
Bloodworth demonstrated how to properly use a Taser on defense attorney Ken Ervin, for the jury to see.
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After the Taser demonstration, the state cross-examined Bloodworth.
"You didn't hear a statement, 'I can't breathe, I have congestive heart failure' from Mr. Ervin, prior to tasing Mr. Ervin?" prosecutor Holly Taylor asked.
"No, ma'am," Bloodworth responded.
"And Mr. Ervin was tased once – not two, three or four times," Taylor asked.
"Asked and answered your honor," the defense interjected.
"I have not asked that specific question," Taylor said.
"Five second cycle, yes, ma'am," Bloodworth responded.
After Bloodworth's testimony, the defense rested its case. Closing arguments will happen Thursday, and jury deliberation is expected to begin soon after.