Stamford Paid $11.25 Million in Wrongful Death Settlement
The city settled a lawsuit regarding the 2023 death of Rev. Tommie Jackson by a police cruiser.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Law Enforcement
Stamford reached an $11.25 million settlement with the estate of Rev. Tommie Jackson, who died after being struck by a police cruiser in 2023. The agreement follows the conclusion of a wrongful death lawsuit and mediation hearings held in 2025.
Why it matters
The settlement resolves a high-profile legal dispute involving the Stamford Police Department. It addresses the civil liability stemming from a fatal crash that occurred on a residential street with a 25 mph speed limit.
The settlement was finalized following mediation hearings in 2025. Former officer Zachary Lockwood, who was fired in August 2024, was found not guilty of felony misconduct with a motor vehicle in September 2026.
The players
Tommie Jackson
He was a reverend whose death led to a major wrongful death lawsuit against the city.
Zachary Lockwood
He is a former Stamford police officer who was fired following the fatal collision.
Stamford Police Department
This is the municipal agency responsible for law enforcement operations in the city.
The details
The fatal incident involved a police cruiser traveling at an estimated 46 mph at the time of impact, well above the 25 mph residential speed limit. While the city has finalized the payment, the agreement includes strict confidentiality and non-disparagement clauses for all parties involved.
Timeline
2023: Rev. Tommie Jackson was struck and killed by a police cruiser.
August 2024: Officer Zachary Lockwood was fired from the police department.
2025: Mediation hearings were held to resolve the litigation.
September 2026: A court found Zachary Lockwood not guilty of felony misconduct.
Legal Context
This settlement highlights the rising costs associated with municipal liability in fatal police vehicle incidents. It follows a pattern where cities prioritize out-of-court resolutions to conclude high-stakes wrongful death litigation.
Residents may see continued discussions regarding police vehicle operation policies and city budget allocations. The settlement serves as a reminder of the significant taxpayer funding directed toward resolving civil litigation.
The takeaway
Large municipal settlements often serve to mitigate long-term legal uncertainty for cities following fatal public safety incidents. Stakeholders should note that such agreements typically include confidentiality clauses that limit the transparency of future policy reforms.
Further reading
For more information on local municipal oversight, visit Stamford Law Enforcement.
Source note: This article includes information reported by stamford advocate.
