Louisiana Police Settle $4.85 Million Claim Over 2019 Stun‑Gun Death

*TL;DR: Louisiana state police and a local sheriff’s office agreed to a $4.85 million settlement with Tayla Greene, the daughter of Ronald Greene, who died after officers used a stun gun, punches and a chokehold during a 2019 arrest.

Context On May 10, 2019, Ronald Greene, a 49‑year‑old Black motorist, was stopped near Monroe, Louisiana. Body‑worn camera footage released in 2021 shows troopers surrounding his vehicle, repeatedly shocking him with a stun gun, punching his face and dragging him to the ground. Greene raised his hands, pleaded “I’m your brother! I’m scared!” before officers continued the assault. He later died from the injuries.

Key Facts - The settlement totals $4.85 million and resolves a civil suit filed by Tayla Greene, who alleges her father’s death was wrongful. - All five officers indicted—troopers Dakota DeMoss, Kory York, John Clary, Gage Hollingsworth and Monroe‑area deputy Chris Harpin—were white. - Federal prosecutors declined to bring charges; a state grand jury later indicted the five on counts ranging from negligent homicide to malfeasance. Only York and Harpin ultimately pleaded no contest to misdemeanor battery. - Greene’s own words during the arrest were captured on video: “I’m your brother! I’m scared! I’m scared!” - Initial police reports blamed a high‑speed chase crash, but medical records showed stun‑gun prongs lodged in Greene’s back and minimal vehicle damage, contradicting the crash narrative. - The U.S. Justice Department opened a civil‑rights investigation after the Associated Press highlighted a pattern of evidence suppression by state troopers; the probe confirmed excessive force in Greene’s case.

What It Means The settlement marks one of the largest monetary outcomes for a case that otherwise produced only misdemeanor convictions. It underscores growing pressure on law‑enforcement agencies to address misconduct and provides a financial acknowledgment of the harm inflicted. The agreement may influence future negotiations in similar wrongful‑death suits and could prompt tighter oversight of Louisiana’s state police practices.

Looking Ahead Watch for any legislative or policy reforms in Louisiana aimed at improving accountability for use‑of‑force incidents.