The family of Ronald Greene will receive $4.85 million from Louisiana authorities, but their attorney Ben Crump insists that no financial compensation can erase the pain caused by the man's death at the hands of police. The settlement, reached on May 12, 2025, ends a federal wrongful death lawsuit filed by Greene's daughter, Tayla.
Details of the Settlement
The agreement is subject to approval by Louisiana's legislature. It resolves a lawsuit that gained momentum after the Associated Press obtained body-worn camera footage in 2021 showing officers punching, kicking, and using stun guns on Greene during a 2019 traffic stop. The footage contradicted initial claims that Greene died from crashing into a tree.
Circumstances of Greene's Death
Greene, a 49-year-old Black man, was violently arrested by five white officers on a roadside near Monroe, Louisiana. Officers shocked him with stun guns as he apologized for a high-speed chase. They tackled him, placed him in a chokehold, punched him, and dragged him while handcuffed and shackled, leaving him on the ground without aid. Greene screamed, "I'm your brother! I'm scared!" during the arrest.
Legal and Disciplinary Actions
Two officers faced charges: Kory York of Louisiana State Police and Chris Harpin of the Union Parish Sheriff's Office each pleaded no contest to misdemeanor battery. Another officer, Gage Hollingsworth, died in a high-speed crash in 2020 hours after learning he was fired for his role. Federal prosecutors declined to bring charges, though the U.S. Justice Department found a pattern of excessive force by Louisiana State Police before reversing those findings under the Trump administration.
Family's Response
Greene's mother, Mona Hardin, wrote on social media, "We ALL hurt like hell, Ronnie. Missing you terribly," emphasizing the ongoing fight for accountability. Attorney Ben Crump, who also represented George Floyd's family in a $27 million settlement, stated, "No amount of money can erase the pain, but this settlement helps show how the truth must always come to light."
Broader Context
The case drew national attention amid racial justice protests following George Floyd's murder in 2020. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill confirmed the settlement, saying it was time to end the litigation. Greene's death highlights ongoing issues of police violence and accountability in the United States.
