Lucy Harrison shot in chest by father
Lucy Harrison shot in chest by father Cheshire Police

Lucy Harrison, a 23-year-old British woman from Warrington, Cheshire, was shot dead by her father, Kris Harrison, at his home in Prosper, Texas, on 10 January 2025. Police and witnesses say the fatal incident followed a heated argument about US President Donald Trump, which had occurred earlier in the day. Lucy was visiting her father with her boyfriend, Sam Littler, before returning to the UK after a holiday.

The shooting has shocked both local and international communities, as the case now undergoes an inquest at Cheshire Coroner's Court. The inquest seeks to clarify the circumstances surrounding the death, which was previously investigated as possible manslaughter.

Circumstances of the Shooting

According to witness accounts, Lucy had become upset during a discussion with her father about Trump and gun ownership. Later that day, she was reportedly in the kitchen when Kris Harrison took her by the hand and led her into his ground-floor bedroom. Approximately 15 seconds later, a gun discharged, striking Lucy in the chest.

In a statement sent to the court, cited by BBC, Kris Harrison said he did not understand what had happened and could not recall whether his finger was on the trigger. He also admitted to drinking about 500ml (17.6 oz) of white wine earlier that day, describing it as a brief lapse while he was emotional about his daughter leaving the United States.

Police officer Luciana Escalera, whose evidence was read during the inquest, noted the smell of alcohol on Harrison when officers arrived. CCTV footage confirmed that he purchased two cartons of Chardonnay shortly before the shooting.

Inquest Proceedings and Legal Context

The inquest opened in Cheshire as a fact-finding inquiry, following the decision of a grand jury in Collin County, Texas, not to indict Kris Harrison on criminal charges. Harrison did not attend the hearing in person but submitted a statement expressing remorse and accepting responsibility for the death.

At the start of the inquest, Harrison's legal team requested that Coroner Jacqueline Devonish recuse herself, claiming potential bias. The request was rejected, with the court emphasising the inquiry's fact-finding nature.

In a statement published by Sky News, Kris said 'I fully accept the consequences of my actions, and there isn't a day I don't feel the weight of that loss – a weight I will carry for the rest of my life, and I know that nothing I say can ease the heartbreak this tragedy has caused.'

'I cannot undo what happened, but I can honour Lucy by being the best father I can be to her sisters and by carrying her memory forward in everything we do,' he added.

Eyewitness and Family Accounts

Sam Littler, Lucy Harrison's boyfriend, described the argument over Trump as significant and emotionally charged. He said that Lucy became distressed after her father's responses during the debate and later ran upstairs. Following the shooting, Littler recounted seeing Lucy lying near the bathroom entrance while Kris Harrison screamed in apparent panic.

Lucy's mother, Jane Coates, described her daughter as a 'real force of life' who was passionate about her work and debates on important issues. Lucy had worked as a buyer for fashion brand Boohoo and was widely known among friends and family for her lively personality.

Background and Family Context

Kris Harrison moved to the United States when Lucy was a child. He has a history of alcohol dependency and had previously undergone rehabilitation. He reportedly purchased a Glock 9mm semi-automatic handgun for a 'sense of security' for his family but had not discussed it with Lucy prior to the incident.

The inquest has highlighted the tense family dynamics, including disagreements over politics, alcohol use, and access to firearms. Coroner Jacqueline Devonish is expected to deliver her findings in the coming sessions, which will provide clarity on the precise circumstances of the shooting and the factors that contributed to the tragic death of Lucy Harrison.

Writer's pick