The five Louisiana state troopers accused of the violent arrest of Black motorist Ronald Greene in May 2019 entered a not-guilty plea at their arraignment on Tuesday.
The five Louisiana state troopers accused of the violent arrest of Black motorist Ronald Greene in May 2019 entered a not-guilty plea.(Photo: El Pais In English)
Louisiana State Troopers Appeared In Court With Their Attorney
According to J, all Five Louisiana state troopers appeared in court with their respective attorneys. Kory York, one of the Louisiana state troopers involved in Greene’s arrest, is being represented by Michael Small.
York is accused of causing a homicide negligently. According to a copy of the indictment that Union Parish District Attorney John Belton gave to CNN, the charges against the three additional troopers and the single Union Parish deputy range from misconduct in official capacity to obstruction of justice.
Greene’s mother, Mona Hardin, told CNN prior to the hearing that “justice delayed is not justice denied. Louisiana, make things right!”
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Louisiana State Troopers Arrest On Green Shows Graphic Details
Greene, 49, passed away overnight on May 10, 2019, according to police, who claimed he resisted arrest and fought with them. His family claims they were initially informed that Greene passed away in a car accident following a police pursuit.
Videos of the arrest, which were first made public by the Associated Press and then state police in May 2021, showed graphic details of the violent struggle, including officers punching, kicking, and using a Taser on Greene before he passed away while in their custody.
After Greene’s death, which a member of the Louisiana state troopers referred to as “torture and murder,” it took more than three years before the officers were charged.
According to Small, the sufficiency to explain the specifics in the indictment will be discussed at the upcoming court hearing on May 12.
The Louisiana state troopers involved in the incident and their supervisors are the targets of a civil lawsuit brought by the victim’s family for wrongful death. The family is suing for compensation to cover all funeral and medical costs.
Troopers York and Dakota DeMoss were both depicted in the arrest video, as well as Trooper Chris Hollingsworth, who per the Ouachita Parish Coroner’s Office passed away in a car accident in September 2020.
According to state police, York was initially given a 50-hour suspension for his involvement. He returned to active duty following his suspension, pending the conclusion of the investigation by federal and state authorities.
An official from the state of Louisiana with knowledge of the investigation claims that DeMoss was fired in May 2021 due to an incident of excessive force that did not involve Greene.
DeMoss’s lawyer, Charles Racer, told CNN that he had “no comment” regarding the arraignment and pointed out that the Louisiana State Police should be contacted with any questions.
CNN has made contact with the defense counsel for the other officers accused.
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