Trooper Walks in Greene's Death

By Eddie D. Gillis

The last remaining Louisiana State Trooper who allegedly was implicated in the death of Ouachita Parish motorist Ronald Greene, is a free man. Kory York was one of the troopers allegedly seen in a video savagely beating Greene after he had surrendered to authorities on a May 10, 2019 night following a chase that wound up in Union Parish. York, who was charged with Negligent Homicide, pleaded "no contest" to eight misdemeanor counts of Simple Battery in a Farmerville courtroom. Though this will be seen as a conviction (the first of any officers involved), York will not face any jail time. York was sentenced to one year of supervised probation, a $1,000 fine and 160 hours of community service. One has to wonder what kind of community service can bring back Greene's life and how that “service” will ease the family's pain. The amended charges and plea were part of a "case termination agreement" between 3rd Judicial District Attorney John Belton's office and York's attorney. The Greene family and supporters were outraged by the decision according to news sources, as protests were held outside of the courthouse. Greene died that May 2020 night, as it appears that no officers will serve time, despite video footage from LSP troopers body cams allegedly showing Greene being beaten, kicked and dragged while cuffed after he had already pleaded for his life. Only one officer, Union Parish deputy Chris Harpin faces charges for his alleged involvement, but hope has all but faded that a conviction will be realized. Many will say that the system failed the Greene family, but one can't take away the fact that a man is dead while his family continues to grieve, all because police officers took the law into their hands, depriving a human being of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" because they could. News reports indicate that the Greene family was allegedly sent a letter for them to agree to the plea agreement before a deal was reached. Needless to say, the family declined. Belton's office said that the "evidence wasn't sufficient" to secure a conviction, even though the office was "sympathetic" to the family's plight. Many will say that is no consolation to the family as the retired trooper will receive a monthly benefit of almost $7,000 while the family will look to the federal government to do what the state couldn't or wouldn't. It doesn't matter how much some will champion this nation's justice system, as a case will come along proving once again that there is not "justice for all". Need another reason to vote or why voting is important