British Woman Unlawfully Killed by Father in Texas, UK Coroner Rules

A UK coroner has ruled that Lucy Harrison, 23, was unlawfully killed by her father in Texas. The ruling found gross negligence manslaughter after an incident involving a handgun. The incident happened during a visit to her father's home.
By Newsroom | UK News, US News |

A British woman visiting her father in Texas was unlawfully killed when he shot her with a handgun during what he described as a "tease," a coroner has determined. The ruling, made at Cheshire Coroner's Court, found that Lucy Harrison, 23, died due to gross negligence manslaughter. The incident occurred on January 10, and the circumstances leading up to it involved a dispute about Donald Trump and a disagreement over her father's gun ownership.

British graduate, 23, was shot dead by her 'reckless' father while visiting his Texas home when he pointed pistol at her chest as a 'tease', coroner rules - 1

Events Leading to the Fatality

Lucy Harrison, a fashion buyer, was on holiday in Prosper, Texas, with her boyfriend, Sam Littler, visiting her father, Kris Harrison. According to statements, the day of the shooting began with an argument between Lucy and her father concerning Donald Trump. Littler reported that Lucy often became upset when her father discussed his gun ownership, a stance she vehemently disagreed with, being "categorically anti-gun."

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British graduate, 23, was shot dead by her 'reckless' father while visiting his Texas home when he pointed pistol at her chest as a 'tease', coroner rules - 2

Later, Kris Harrison stated that he had a conversation about guns with his daughter, and she asked to see his firearm. He retrieved a Glock 9mm semi-automatic handgun from his bedside cabinet. While he claimed he was lifting the gun to show her, a loud "bang" was heard. Harrison later stated he did not recall if his finger was on the trigger. Approximately 15 seconds after the shot, he was heard screaming for his wife. Lucy was found on the floor with a gunshot wound to the chest.

British graduate, 23, was shot dead by her 'reckless' father while visiting his Texas home when he pointed pistol at her chest as a 'tease', coroner rules - 3

Coroner Jacqueline Devonish ruled the death an unlawful killing, citing gross negligence manslaughter. She found that Kris Harrison's actions were "reprehensible" and did not accept his assertion that Lucy had asked to see the gun, given her known opposition to firearms. The coroner also noted that Harrison had no experience with guns, had not undertaken training, and had never fired a gun.

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British graduate, 23, was shot dead by her 'reckless' father while visiting his Texas home when he pointed pistol at her chest as a 'tease', coroner rules - 4

While the coroner's court concluded unlawful killing, it is important to distinguish this from a criminal court's verdict. Texas authorities investigated the death as possible manslaughter, but a grand jury in Collin County declined to indict Kris Harrison. Efforts were made by Harrison's legal counsel to have the coroner recuse herself, arguing potential bias, which was rejected.

Disputed Accounts and Context

  • Lucy's Interest in the Gun: Kris Harrison claimed Lucy asked to see the gun. However, her boyfriend, Sam Littler, and other accounts suggest she was strongly opposed to firearms and would not have asked to see it. Littler stated she became upset when her father spoke about owning a gun and was worried about her younger half-sisters being around them.

  • Alcohol Consumption: Police noted the smell of alcohol on Kris Harrison's breath upon arrival. He initially claimed he had not drunk alcohol since the day before. The inquest heard that Texas police did not test him for alcohol despite this suspicion. He had previously attended rehab for alcohol addiction. Harrison stated he did not believe he was drunk at the time of the shooting.

  • The Argument: While Sam Littler linked the initial argument to Donald Trump, other accounts suggest the conversation also included gun ownership. Lucy was described as someone who loved debates on subjects important to her.

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AspectKris Harrison's AccountSam Littler's / Other Accounts
Gun InquiryLucy asked to see his gun.Lucy was opposed to guns and would not have asked to see it.
Gun DischargeGun discharged as he lifted it to show her.A loud bang was heard approximately 15 seconds later.
Trigger StatusDid not recall if his finger was on the trigger.-
Alcohol UseClaimed he had not drunk since the day before; not drunk.Police noted the smell of alcohol; previously in rehab for addiction.
Preceding EventConversation about guns.Argument about Donald Trump; also disagreement over gun ownership.

Expert and Family Statements

  • Coroner Jacqueline Devonish: Ruled the death as unlawful killing due to gross negligence manslaughter, stating Harrison's actions were "reprehensible."

  • Lucy Harrison's Family: Released a statement saying, "Lucy’s spirit — her warmth, her humour, her kindness — will live on in all of us who loved her." Her mother stated, "She stood up for what she believed in. She loved to have debates about things that meant a lot to her."

  • Sam Littler (Boyfriend): Provided extensive testimony about the argument and the events surrounding the shooting.

  • Kris Harrison: Paid tribute to Lucy, calling her "the light of my life" and stating he was "deeply sorry." He said he "fully accepts" the tragic consequences of his actions.

Conclusion and Implications

The coroner's ruling of unlawful killing provides a definitive finding on the manner of Lucy Harrison's death, emphasizing her father's gross negligence. Despite this, the decision by a Texas grand jury not to indict Kris Harrison means no criminal charges will be pursued in the United States. The case highlights a stark difference in legal conclusions between the UK coroner's inquest and the US grand jury process. The ruling underscores the extreme risks associated with negligent handling of firearms, particularly when combined with factors such as lack of training and potential impairment. The family of Lucy Harrison has welcomed the coroner's conclusion, acknowledging the thoroughness of the investigation.

Sources Used:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did the UK coroner decide?
The coroner decided that Lucy Harrison was unlawfully killed by her father due to gross negligence manslaughter.
Q: Where did this happen?
The shooting happened in Prosper, Texas, USA, but the ruling was made in the UK.
Q: Why did the argument happen?
The argument was about Donald Trump and the father's gun ownership.
Q: Will the father face criminal charges in the US?
No, a grand jury in Texas decided not to indict him.
Q: Did the father have experience with guns?
No, the coroner noted he had no experience or training with firearms.