Louisiana State Trooper Kory York Avoids Jail in Death of Ronald Greene with Plea Deal

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The case involving Louisiana State Trooper Kory York and the death of Black motorist Ronald Greene has seen significant legal developments and public reactions over the years.

Incident Overview

Ronald Greene, a Black motorist, died on May 10, 2019, after a vehicle pursuit in Union Parish, Louisiana. Initially, the Louisiana State Police (LSP) claimed that Greene died from injuries sustained in a car crash. However, body camera footage later revealed that officers, including Kory York, had beaten, stunned, and dragged Greene, leading to his death. The footage showed officers kicking, dragging, beating, and shocking Greene with stun guns.

Legal Proceedings

1. Indictments and Charges:
   • In December 2022, a grand jury indicted five officers, including York, on various charges related to Greene's death. York faced one count of negligent homicide and 10 counts of malfeasance in office.
   • Over time, several charges against other officers were dropped. For instance, charges against Dakota DeMoss and John Peters were dismissed in July 2023.
2. Plea Deal:
   • On October 28, 2024, York agreed to a plea deal. He pleaded no contest to eight counts of simple battery, avoiding the more serious charge of negligent homicide. The plea deal included a six-month suspended sentence, a $1,000 fine, 160 hours of community service, and one year of supervised probation. If York violates his probation, he faces six months in parish jail.

Public Reaction

The case has sparked significant public outrage and calls for justice, particularly from Greene's family and advocacy groups. The release of the body camera footage in 2020 heightened public awareness and criticism of the handling of the case. Demonstrations and rallies have been held, demanding accountability and justice for Greene's death.

Ongoing Developments

• As of May 2024, the federal investigation into Greene's death remains open and unresolved.
• The legal proceedings have seen various appeals and court rulings, with efforts to dismiss charges against the officers being consistently denied by higher courts.

The case continues to be a focal point for discussions on police accountability and racial justice in the United States.