Family of Brianna Grier Settles Federal Lawsuit After 2022 Death

Brianna Grier’s family has reached a settlement in their federal lawsuit against Hancock County Sheriff Tomlyn Primus and two officers over her 2022 death. Grier’s fall from a police cruiser, left unsecured by deputies, sparked outrage and questions about law enforcement’s handling of mental health crises.

🛑 Why It Matters: Grier’s death is part of a growing call for reform in how law enforcement responds to mental health emergencies. Families like hers face risks when the right resources aren’t in place.

🚨 What’s Happening:

• Grier’s family filed a $100 million lawsuit accusing the sheriff’s office of negligence and civil rights violations.
• Deputies failed to secure Grier in the vehicle, leading to her fatal fall.

⚖️ Between the Lines: District Attorney T. Wright Barksdale declined to press criminal charges, stating that deputies committed no crimes. But legal settlements like this show the lasting impact of institutional failings.