Louisiana to Pay $4.8M in Ronald Greene Death Settlement

Louisiana officials have agreed to a tentative $4.8 million settlement with the family of Ronald Greene, a Black motorist who died during a violent 2019 roadside arrest carried out by five white officers. The settlement would end a federal wrongful death lawsuit filed by Greene's family, whose death drew national attention after footage obtained by The Associated Press in 2021 showed Louisiana State Police officers punching, kicking, and using stun guns on Greene outside Monroe. The settlement is subject to approval by the Louisiana Legislature, according to two people with direct knowledge of the agreement. Louisiana State Police spokesperson Capt. Russell Graham declined to comment on the terms, stating the process has not yet been finalized. Mona Hardin, Greene's mother, did not immediately return messages seeking comment. Last year, federal prosecutors declined to bring charges against the troopers involved in Greene's arrest. For two years after Greene's death, the circumstances of the traffic stop following a high-speed chase remained shrouded in secrecy. State police initially claimed Greene, 49, died after crashing into a tree during the pursuit. Video later obtained by AP showed troopers used stun guns on the unarmed Greene as he apologized for leading them on the chase. Troopers wrestled Greene to the ground, placed him in a chokehold, and punched him. They dragged him facedown on the ground while his hands were cuffed and his legs were shackled, then left him lying on the ground without providing aid.