Coroner Finds British Woman Unlawfully Killed in US Shooting Incident
A 23-year-old British woman, Lucy Harrison, was unlawfully killed by her father during a visit to his home in the United States, a coroner has concluded. The tragic incident occurred in Prosper, Texas, in January 2025, following an argument about former President Donald Trump.
Details of the Fatal Shooting
Lucy Harrison, a fashion buyer from Warrington, Cheshire, was staying with her father, Kris Harrison, and his family when the shooting took place. According to evidence presented at Cheshire Coroner's Court, Mr. Harrison, described as a functioning alcoholic, claimed the gun discharged accidentally. However, senior coroner Jacqueline Devonish ruled that his actions were reckless, stating that pointing the gun at his daughter and pulling the trigger without checking for bullets constituted gross negligence manslaughter.
The coroner emphasized that Ms. Harrison was a young, vibrant individual with her whole life ahead, making her death particularly tragic. The inquest heard that on the morning of January 10, 2025, Ms. Harrison and her father argued about Donald Trump, shortly before she and her boyfriend, Sam Littler, were due to fly back to the UK.
Events Leading to the Tragedy
Approximately 30 minutes before their departure for the airport, Mr. Harrison led his daughter from the kitchen to his bedroom, where he kept a Glock semi-automatic handgun. Mr. Littler reported hearing a loud bang about 15 seconds later, followed by screams from Mr. Harrison. Upon entering the room, he found Ms. Harrison lying on the floor near the bathroom entrance.
Mr. Harrison did not attend the two-day inquest but provided a statement explaining that he purchased the gun for home defense, which under Texas laws did not require a license. He expressed deep remorse, acknowledging the consequences of his actions and vowing to honor his daughter's memory.
Family Response and Legal Implications
Outside the court, Ms. Harrison's mother, Jane Coates, stated that the coroner's verdict had given her daughter a voice after a year of shock and grief. She criticized Texan gun laws and local police decisions, noting that while satisfied with the conclusion, there are important lessons to be learned from this avoidable death.
The inquest revealed that a grand jury in the US found insufficient evidence to charge anyone in connection with the death. Mr. Harrison's representative argued that the hearing resembled a criminal investigation rather than a fact-finding inquiry. This case underscores ongoing debates about gun control and safety measures in different jurisdictions.
