The recent plea deal allowing former Louisiana State Trooper Kory York to walk free with a suspended sentence for his role in Ronald Greene’s death represents more than just another failure of our justice system – it dashes the hopes of minorities in the state that the justice system can be trusted.
District Attorney John Belton’s decision to reduce York’s charges from serious felonies to mere misdemeanor battery counts is particularly troubling. While prosecuting police officers presents unique challenges, the strength of the evidence in this case – including damning body camera footage and an FBI review that contradicted the initial cause of death – demanded a more vigorous pursuit of justice.
As an African-American, DA Belton’s refusal to even try to give justice to Mr. Green’s murderers is tantamount to a tragic miscarriage of trust and faith. Our community expected him to prosecute racist murderers to the extent of the law, even if he failed in the process. To let all of Mr. Green’s murderers off with slaps on the wrist and community service adds insult to injury.
The facts are stark and undeniable: Ronald Greene didn’t die from a car crash or “excited delirium” as initially claimed. The FBI’s review of the autopsy specifically excluded these as causes of death, instead pointing to the officers’ actions – multiple strikes to Greene’s head and restraining him face down for over nine minutes – as contributing factors.
Even more disturbing is how the case was initially covered up. Greene’s family was told he died in a car crash, despite photos showing minimal vehicle damage. His body was hastily cremated despite state law prohibiting such action in suspicious deaths. Critical records went missing. The original autopsy report cited “excited delirium” – a controversial diagnosis rejected by the American Medical Association and one that, as noted by West Baton Rouge Parish Chief Deputy Coroner Yancy Guerin, appears almost exclusively in deaths involving police custody.
DA Belton had all of this evidence at his disposal. He had the advantage of public scrutiny and federal involvement. Yet he chose the path of least resistance, allowing York to plead to minor charges that grossly underrepresent the gravity of his actions. This decision sends a chilling message: that the life of a Black man can be taken with minimal consequences, even when the evidence of wrongdoing is overwhelming and the District Attorney is Black.
The role of a district attorney is not merely to win cases but to pursue justice. While securing convictions against law enforcement officers is notoriously difficult, the magnitude of this case demanded the courage to try. A failed prosecution attempting to hold officers fully accountable would have sent a stronger message than a successful plea deal that minimizes their culpability.
The Greene case will now join a long list of similar incidents where justice was promised but never delivered.
We have three words of DA Belton: Shame, Shame, Shame.
John Belton: “Your black card has been revoked.”
