Mona Hardin has been waiting for five years for any resolution to the federal investigation into her son's deadly arrest by Louisiana State Police troopers. Despite numerous high-profile civil rights cases being swiftly addressed, the case of Ronald Greene remains open and unresolved.
Greene's death on May 10, 2019, sparked national outrage after body-camera footage showed white troopers stunning, beating, and dragging the Black motorist. The federal investigation into the incident has left Hardin feeling ghosted and forgotten by the Justice Department.
While federal charges were quickly brought in cases like George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor, Greene's case has seen delays and uncertainties. The investigation, which remains ongoing, has not provided a clear timeline for resolution.
State police initially attributed Greene's death to a crash following a high-speed chase, but subsequent evidence contradicted this account. Graphic body-camera video revealed troopers swarming Greene, using stun guns, and engaging in physical violence before his death.
The federal inquiry has faced challenges, including the death of a trooper involved in the incident and the difficulty of proving willful abuse by the troopers. The Justice Department is also conducting a broader investigation into the Louisiana State Police's use of force and potential racially discriminatory policing practices.
Despite the delays, Greene's family continues to seek justice through both criminal and civil avenues. Hardin emphasized the need for accountability and closure, stating that the truth about her son's death must be addressed.
The unresolved nature of the federal investigation into Ronald Greene's death highlights the complexities and challenges of pursuing civil rights charges in cases of police misconduct.
