Austin, Texas, September 1, 2025
News Summary
A Texas appeals court has dismissed an appeal by prosecutors seeking to move forward with the trial of former Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody and assistant attorney Jason Nassour. The court’s ruling results from a lack of a written order on a pre-trial decision, leaving the trial, linked to allegations of evidence tampering concerning the ‘Live PD’ footage of Javier Ambler’s death, in limbo.
Austin, Texas – A Texas state appeals court has dismissed an appeal by prosecutors that has put the trial of former Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody and former assistant county attorney Jason Nassour on indefinite hold. The court’s decision came on the basis that prosecutors were unable to present a valid legal basis for their appeal due to the absence of a written court order regarding the pre-trial ruling.
The Texas 3rd Court of Appeals ruled in favor of Chody’s attorneys, noting that the lack of a written order led to a jurisdictional issue. As a result, the trial, originally scheduled to commence in August 2024, remains in limbo. Chody and Nassour are facing charges connected to the destruction of footage from the reality television show “Live PD,” which captured the in-custody death of Javier Ambler in 2019.
The trial had already been put on hold following a ruling by Travis County District Court Judge Karen Sage. Judge Sage determined that Chody and Nassour could not seize the footage under federal law that protects journalistic materials. The Travis County District Attorney’s Office contested this ruling, arguing that it significantly hindered their ability to present critical evidence against the defendants.
Despite a majority ruling favoring the prosecution from two judges on the appeals court, Chief Justice Darlene Byrne dissented, asserting that the lack of a written order rendered the appeals court without jurisdiction. In light of this dissent, Keith Hampton, representing Jason Nassour, has indicated plans to request a review of the case by the entire 3rd Court of Appeals.
The court also clarified that the federal Privacy Protection Act did not apply to this case, reinforcing the notion that the prosecution of Chody and Nassour for evidence tampering remains unaffected by federal law. Prosecutors allege that the defendants acted purposefully to ensure that the “Live PD” footage of Ambler’s death was not available for viewing by investigators or made public, including a contract stipulation for the footage’s destruction.
The tragic incident linked to Ambler’s death involved a prolonged 22-minute police chase, during which deputies reportedly used Tasers multiple times on him, despite Ambler’s repeated claims that he could not breathe and that he had a heart condition. Ambler, a 40-year-old father of two, died shortly after his encounter with law enforcement, prompting significant public outcry and scrutiny of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.
The fallout from Ambler’s death included the cancellation of “Live PD” and a statewide prohibition on collaborations between law enforcement agencies and reality television shows. Additionally, in December 2021, a wrongful death lawsuit brought by Ambler’s family concluded with a settlement of $5 million, marking the largest such settlement in the county’s history. In March 2024, two deputies involved in Ambler’s arrest were acquitted of manslaughter charges.
As it stands, the court’s ruling has left the trial of Chody and Nassour on hold, igniting discussions surrounding the legal complexities tied to evidence, law enforcement, and journalistic protections.
FAQ
What is the current status of the trial for Robert Chody and Jason Nassour?
The trial for Robert Chody and Jason Nassour has been postponed indefinitely after a Texas state appeals court dismissed the prosecutors’ appeal, which aimed to overturn a pre-trial ruling.
Why was the trial put on hold?
The trial was put on hold due to a pre-trial ruling by Judge Karen Sage, stating that Chody and Nassour could not obtain the “Live PD” footage of Javier Ambler’s death as it was protected under federal law concerning journalistic materials.
What charges are Robert Chody and Jason Nassour facing?
Chody and Nassour are facing charges related to the tampering with evidence for allegedly destroying footage of Javier Ambler’s in-custody death.
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Additional Resources
- Austin American-Statesman: Appeals Court Dismissal
- Wikipedia: Robert Chody
- FOX 7 Austin: Trial Paused
- Google Search: Javier Ambler
- Austin American-Statesman: Privacy Law Ruling
- Google Scholar: Live PD Texas
- CBS Austin: Jury Excused
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Williamson County
- KXAN: New Charges for Chody
- Google News: Robert Chody
Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN
The GEORGETOWN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREgeorgetown.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Georgetown, Williamson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Red Poppy Festival, Georgetown Swirl, and Christmas Stroll. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Georgetown Association, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as local wineries and historic downtown shops. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
