Federal Prosecutors Decline Charges in Ronald Greene Case

Federal prosecutors have decided not to bring charges against the white Louisiana State Troopers involved in the 2019 death of Black motorist Ronald Greene, concluding a lengthy FBI investigation into the incident and allegations of a cover-up by the police. Greene's family was informed of the decision, which has drawn criticism, including from Greene's sister, who believes it reflects a broader failure of the Justice Department. Despite the lack of federal charges, a broader civil rights investigation revealed a pattern of excessive force among state troopers, supported by a prior Associated Press investigation into multiple cases of misconduct within the agency. The investigation findings are expected to highlight systemic issues, including instances of violence against both Black and White suspects. Greene's death, initially misreported as due to a car crash, was later attributed to neck compression and physical struggle, as shown in body-camera footage of the arrest. While a state grand jury did indict five officers, only two are currently facing lesser charges, and challenges in proving willful misconduct complicated the federal case.