Committee Chairman, Rep. Tanner Magee, March 8, 2022.
A House committee investigating the 2019 fatal arrest of black motorist Ronald Greene will hear from Kevin Reeves who was in charge of State Police when Greene died after he was beaten and tased by State Troopers. Houma Representative Tanner Magee says Greene will testify on Tuesday.
“I would like to have it for the next committee meeting if that’s agreeable to the rest of the committee, I think that would be a good first witness is to start with the first person in charge,” said Magee.
Magee says it’s possible Governor John Bel Edwards will appear at a future committee meeting and the lawmaker says this is not a witch hunt, they are only trying to get to the truth.
There have been reports that phones of those involved with the Greene investigation were wiped thus removing any texts pertaining to the case. Magee said he’s curious about circumstances surrounding the wiping of phones.
“Finding out what those communications were at that time, who they communicated with outside of their office as well,” said Magee.
The committee was created by House Speaker Clay Schexnayder after an Associated Press said Edwards received a text message about Greene’s violent death shortly after the incident and Schexnayder alleges the governor told him that Greene died in a car accident.
That’s a claim Governor Edwards strongly denies.
New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes said while he supports law enforcement, Greene’s death needs a thorough investigation.
“Ronald Greene’s death can be equated to a modern-day lynching, and that’s just the facts. And it’s imperative that we garner the facts and the truth surrounding his death,” said Hughes.
The committee also plans to seek testimony from Former LSP Sgt Albert Paxton, Lt. Scott Brown, Sgt. Scott Davis, and Tech Support Supervisor Randy Hidalgo.
The U.S. Justice Department is also investigating and so far no one has been arrested or charged in connection with Greene’s death.
Comments