This week, a Louisiana state trooper involved in the death of Ronald Greene has reached a plea deal. Kory York entered a no contest plea on Monday to reduced charges, which means he will avoid jail time for his involvement in the fatal incident with Greene, a Black driver, in 2019. This marks the first conviction in a case that has drawn significant national attention regarding police brutality.
York was one of five police officers indicted in the case two years ago. He faced the most serious charges after body camera footage revealed him dragging Greene by his ankle shackles and forcing him to lie face down while handcuffed just moments before Greene stopped breathing.
What Happened to Greene?
Greene’s death in May 2019 raised immediate eyebrows. Initially, state officials informed his family that he died in a car crash after a chase near Monroe—an explanation disputed by a doctor in the emergency room. The crash report by state police omitted any mention of police force. It would take 462 days for an internal investigation to start, during which time officials, including former Governor John Bel Edwards, kept the body camera footage under wraps.
In 2021, The Associated Press released body camera footage showing Greene desperately pleading for mercy, and raising his hands while surrounded by troopers.
Allegations Against Law Enforcement
Investigations revealed that officers used stun guns multiple times on Greene, with one trooper tackling him to the ground while applying a chokehold and striking him in the face. In a shocking display of brutality, another officer hit Greene in the head with a flashlight and was caught on video boasting about beating him severely. This officer, Chris Hollingsworth, was identified as primarily responsible but passed away in a crash just hours after learning he would be dismissed from the police force.
Details of York’s Plea Deal
Under the plea deal, Kory York pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor battery charge, down from previous felony charges of negligent homicide and malfeasance. He will serve a year of probation and has agreed to testify against another officer involved in the case.
This agreement faced backlash from Greene’s family, who claimed they were misled about its terms, stating they wanted to see the felony charges in court. Greene’s mother, Mona Hardin, expressed her dissatisfaction by refusing to sign the plea deal, arguing, “My family is a victim, and we should have more of a say.” She added, “This shouldn’t end today. It’s wrong. It’s unfair.”
Meanwhile, York’s attorney, Mike Small, described the outcome as a victory for his client, asserting it was not an admission of guilt.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.