The grieving mother of a young woman who tragically lost her life due to a gunshot wound inflicted by her father in the United States has officially lodged a complaint with the relevant American law enforcement agency. Lucy Harrison, a resident of Warrington, Cheshire, was only 23 years old when her father, Kris, fatally shot her in the heart on January 10 last year while she was visiting his residence in Prosper, Texas, with her boyfriend, Sam Littler.
Following the incident, a grand jury examined the case but concluded that there was insufficient evidence to bring charges against Kris. A grand jury is a group of ordinary citizens responsible for investigating potential criminal activities and determining whether there is adequate evidence to prosecute an individual.
The firearm used in the shooting was legally owned by Harrison in Texas, where state regulations did not mandate a license or training for its possession for “home defense.” Subsequent to an inquiry at Cheshire Coroner’s Court, it was ruled that Lucy’s death was unlawful.
During the inquiry, Mr. Harrison confessed to consuming alcohol on the day of the incident, although law enforcement did not conduct breathalyzer or blood alcohol tests.
The case was officially closed by US authorities in June 2025. However, a year later, Lucy’s mother, Jane Coates, from Warrington, formally filed a complaint with the Prosper Police Department on Wednesday, June 10. Jane expressed her belief that the investigation lacked thoroughness and scrutiny, and she is hopeful that the case will be reinvestigated.
Jane stated, “I have filed a formal complaint with the Prosper Police Department, not focusing on laws or jurisdiction but on the deficient police investigation that failed to meet the professional standards Lucy deserved.” In her complaint, Jane highlighted what she perceives as inconsistencies in the investigation process.
After the conclusion of Lucy’s inquest in February, Jane raised concerns about the rapid decision-making process by authorities to not pursue charges. She questioned the haste in labeling the incident as an accidental discharge before Lucy’s medical examination was completed. Jane also emphasized the need for a more in-depth investigation into Kris’ alcohol consumption on the day of the tragedy.
Moreover, Jane launched a campaign in memory of her daughter, called For Luce, aimed at providing support to families navigating foreign legal systems. The campaign’s motto is ‘Make change, do better, be better.’
Efforts to obtain a comment from the Prosper Police Department are underway.