Louisiana authorities have reached a tentative $4.8 million agreement with relatives of Ronald Greene, an unarmed Black man who lost his life during a brutal encounter with law enforcement officers in May 2019, according to state police and news reports.
Authorities originally claimed Greene died while operating his vehicle, but body camera video released in 2021 showed white officers striking Greene while he was handcuffed after he crashed his vehicle following a high-speed pursuit. The footage also captured officers dragging him along the pavement by his shackled ankles and using stun guns on him while he pleaded, “I’m scared.”
Greene’s death contributed to nationwide discussions about police violence, particularly against Black men, which ultimately sparked “Black Lives Matter” demonstrations throughout the United States and around the globe in 2020.
The settlement amount was disclosed Tuesday evening by the Associated Press, which cited two sources familiar with the agreement.
Louisiana State Police stated they were “unable to discuss the terms of the settlement at this time, as the process has not yet been finalized,” according to spokesperson Lieutenant Kate Stegall in a Wednesday email.
A lawyer representing Greene’s family did not return phone calls or respond to email requests for comment.
A grand jury brought charges against five Louisiana law enforcement officers in 2022 on counts including negligent homicide and malfeasance related to Greene’s death, though those charges were subsequently reduced.
In January 2025, just before President Joe Biden’s term ended, the Justice Department informed Greene’s family they would not pursue federal criminal charges in the matter.
During that same period, the department issued a report stating “Greene’s death and its aftermath demonstrated serious failures at LSP — excessive force, improper supervision, ineffective training, and breakdowns in accountability.”
The report noted that police had implemented some positive reforms following Greene’s death, but recommended additional changes including enhanced training, specifically focusing on less aggressive tactics before resorting to force.
