The F.B.I. has opened an investigation into the death of Ronald Greene. Greene died shortly after midnight on May 10, 2019 just north of Monroe, Louisiana. His death was initially connected to a single-car car crash, but newly released photos have raised concerns.
In the immediate aftermath of the Greene's death, Captain Chavez Cammon said that he was unable to release body camera footage or a full police report because it was part of an “administrative and criminal" investigation. More recently, a single-page crash report that was reviewed by the Associated Press says that Greene refused to pull over as state troopers pursued him and he ultimately crashed.
“Greene was taken into custody after resisting arrest and a struggle with troopers,” the report states.
The report later adds that Greene "became unresponsive” on his way to the hospital and died. One of the officers involved in the encounter, Chris Hollingsworth, was later placed on administrative leave. Hollingsworth died in a car accident earlier this week.
Nearly a year after the fatal incident, photos obtained by the NAACP’s Baton Rouge branch show Greene's face bruised and bloodied with car damage that the motorist's family says is inconsistent with a fatal car accident.
“The brutality used against him, that was not what his family was told,” the Greene's family attorney, Lee Merritt said.
“It appears that Mr. Greene was sat upon by several officers who tased him repeatedly and beat him before he entered cardiac arrest.”
Greene's family filed a wrongful-death lawsuit in May preceding the federal investigation. The FBI led inquiry will look into police practices, their handling of the pursuit and much more.
“The F.B.I. will collect all available facts and evidence and will ensure that the investigation is conducted in a fair, thorough and impartial manner,” F.B.I. spokeswoman Alicia Irmscher said.
“As this is an ongoing investigation we are not able to comment further at this time.”
Photo: Getty Images