Williamson County settles Javier Ambler wrongful death lawsuit for $5 million
The Williamson County commissioners on Tuesday agreed to a $5 million settlement in the Javier Ambler wrongful death lawsuit, which claimed that Ambler died in 2019 after deputies shot him with a Taser multiple times while he told them he could not breathe.
The settlement is the largest in county history, according to officials, and is the latest development in a case that led to multiple indictments, questions about the role of reality TV in law enforcement and a new Texas law banning such partnerships.
Ambler's March 2019 death had received no public attention until reporting by the American-Statesman and KVUE-TV that began in June 2020 after a months-long investigation and fight for public records.
The lawsuit's claims included that deputies were encouraged to engage in reckless police chases and use excessive force while the highly rated “Live PD” television show was filming their daily activities.
Under the settlement, $3,362,740 will be paid by Travelers Insurance and $1,637,260 will be paid by the county.
Read more: https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2021/12/14/javier-ambler-wrongful-death-lawsuit-williamson-county-sheriff-robert-chody/8892296002/