Family wins $13M judgment in civil trial over deadly 2021 crash involving HPD officer

HOUSTON, Texas – The family of a 75-year-old man killed in a crash involving a Houston Police Department officer the day after Christmas in 2021 has been awarded $13 million.

The family of Charles Payne sued the City of Houston shortly after the Dec. 26, 2021 crash in the 4600 block of Shepherd Drive.

HPD bodycam video released days later showed Officer Christopher Cabrera colliding with Payne’s Cadillac.

• Officer relieved of duty following crash that killed 75-year-old man, HPD says

Payne was taken to the hospital but later died from his injuries.

From the start, the family argued that Officer Cabrera was speeding when he hit Payne.

During the eight-day trial, jurors were asked to determine whether Cabrera’s reported excessive speed caused the crash.

The jury ultimately found the City of Houston and the officer responsible.

A judge awarded the Payne family $13 million.