City of Moore ordered to pay $126 million to family after teen's death

Federal jury rules against city in lawsuit over police officer's fatal collision with Emily Gaines.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 4:05pm

A federal jury has ordered the city of Moore, Oklahoma to pay $126 million to the family of Emily Gaines, a teenager who was killed in 2019 when she was hit by a speeding police officer while on her way to take the ACT exam. The officer, Kyle Lloyd, pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter and was sentenced to 18 years in prison.

Why it matters

This case highlights the issue of police accountability and the use of force, as well as the legal battles families face when seeking justice for loved ones killed by law enforcement. The large monetary award reflects the jury's desire to send a strong message about the need for change in policing practices.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Officer Lloyd was driving over 95 miles per hour when he crashed into Emily Gaines' vehicle at an intersection. The Gaines family's attorney, Chris Hammonds, argued that Lloyd "chose and deliberated to drive over 95 miles per hour into this intersection, killing Emily." The city of Moore has said it will consider appealing the ruling, arguing that Lloyd was not acting within the scope of his employment at the time of the incident.

  • The incident occurred in December 2019 when Emily Gaines was on her way to take the ACT exam.
  • In April 2026, a federal jury ruled that the city of Moore must pay $126 million to the Gaines family.

The players

Emily Gaines

A teenager who was killed in 2019 when she was hit by a speeding police officer while on her way to take the ACT exam.

Kyle Lloyd

The Moore police officer who pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter and was sentenced to 18 years in prison for the fatal collision with Emily Gaines.

Chris Hammonds

The attorney representing the Gaines family in the lawsuit against the city of Moore.

City of Moore

The defendant in the lawsuit, which was ordered to pay $126 million to the Gaines family.

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What they’re saying

“They wanted accountability change. And they wanted to make sure Emily's life mattered. And they wanted a loud verdict. That's what Brian testified to. I want a loud verdict. And that's what we got.”

— Chris Hammonds, Attorney, Lairds Hammonds Laird

“Officer Lloyd chose and deliberated to drive over 95 miles per hour into this intersection, killing Emily.”

— Chris Hammonds, Attorney, Lairds Hammonds Laird

What’s next

The city of Moore has said it will consider appealing the ruling, arguing that Officer Lloyd was not acting within the scope of his employment at the time of the incident. The Gaines family is prepared to continue fighting for justice for Emily.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges families face in seeking accountability and justice when loved ones are killed by law enforcement. The large monetary award reflects the jury's desire to send a strong message about the need for reform in policing practices to prioritize public safety and protect innocent lives.