An Associated Press report has found out that Governor John Bel Edwards knew within hours Ronald Greene died after a violent, lengthy struggle with State Troopers, but Greene’s family was told he died in a car crash at the end of a police chase. Greene’s deadly May 2019 arrest occurred as Edwards was up for re-election. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says it could have been damaging to Edwards if it became public that Greene died after he was beaten by troopers.
“Did the election altar Governor Edwards’ actions that’s all speculation at this point,” said Stockley.
After the AP released video of the arrest of Greene, black motorist, Edwards called the troopers’ actions unprofessional and disturbing and even used the word criminal. Greene’s arrest remains under a federal investigation, no charges have been filed.
In 2019, Edwards won re-election over Republican businessman Eddie Rispone by getting 51-percent of the vote. Support among black voters helped the governor get a second term. Stockley says many of the supporters are likely disappointed Edwards didn’t do more after hearing details about Greene’s arrest.
“Obviously we will get more information moving forward, but at the present this has the potential to take a little bit of the shine off of his legacy,” said Stockley.
Edwards stayed quiet for two years on Greene’s death until the AP released body camera video of his fatal arrest. Republican House Speaker Clay Schexnayder is quoted in the A-P story saying that Greene’s family deserves to know the truth. Stockley says Edwards’ critics will attack him for not doing more in the immediate aftermath.
“And I would certainly expect these critics to use this as political ammo against him,” said Stockley.
You can read the entire AP article here.
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