British Graduate Fatally Shot by Father in Texas Hours Before Scheduled UK Return
A British graduate was tragically shot dead by her alcoholic father at his Texas residence mere hours before she was due to board a flight home to the United Kingdom, a coroner's inquest disclosed today. The incident occurred after Lucy Harrison, a 23-year-old from Warrington, Cheshire, had spent the Christmas period visiting her father, Kris Harrison, at his home in Prosper, Texas, on January 10, 2025.
Investigation and Grand Jury Decision
Authorities in the United States launched a manslaughter investigation following the fatal shooting. A police report confirmed that Lucy Harrison succumbed to a gunshot wound to the chest, inflicted from a medium range by another individual. The case was treated as one of negligent manslaughter by US law enforcement.
However, after a private review of the evidence in June of last year, a grand jury concluded that no criminal charges should be filed. This decision was met with profound dismay by Lucy's mother, Jane Coates, who described it as baffling and beyond comprehension at the time.
Inquest Revelations and Legal Disputes
During today's proceedings at Cheshire Coroner's Court, it was revealed for the first time that Lucy Harrison was fatally shot by her father in a bedroom at the property, with no other persons present. The inquest also heard that Kris Harrison had a documented history of alcoholism, raising significant questions regarding his firearms training and awareness of whether the weapon was loaded.
The hearing was marked by legal contention, as lawyers representing Kris Harrison unsuccessfully petitioned for the senior coroner, Jacqueline Devonshire, to recuse herself from the case. They alleged bias, claiming the coroner had conducted inquiries resembling a criminal investigation and failed to share documents appropriately.
In contrast, legal representatives for Jane Coates accused the father's legal team of staging an ambush to delay the inquest. Coroner Devonshire rejected the recusal application, stating the submissions lacked evidence of bias and noting that Mr. Harrison, who is not attending the hearing, had been given ample opportunity to provide his account.
Background and Tragic Circumstances
Lucy Harrison, a fashion buyer who had earned a first-class degree from Manchester Metropolitan University and secured her dream job at Boohoo, was visiting her father in Texas alongside her boyfriend, Sam Littler. They were scheduled to return to Manchester on the very day of the shooting, following their Christmas visit.
Tragically, she was pronounced dead at 3:47 PM local time after being transported to Baylor Scott and White Medical Centre. An autopsy report confirmed the cause of death as a single gunshot wound fired by another person, with toxicology tests showing no presence of alcohol or drugs in her system.
The coroner disclosed that Mr. Harrison had lied to Texas police about his drinking habits. A police report indicated five witnesses, including two children, were present during the incident, and a suspect had been identified, though no prosecution ensued.
Family Tributes and Ongoing Proceedings
Lucy Harrison's mother and boyfriend listened silently as legal arguments were presented. They are expected to give evidence later today. In a heartfelt tribute released via Cheshire Police, her family described Lucy as someone who lived life fiercely and fearlessly, with a great capacity for love and adventure.
Her funeral at St Elphin's Parish Church in Warrington last February was attended by 400 mourners. Jane Coates expressed a desire to engage with Texas-based groups advocating for gun death prevention, a cause she believes her daughter would have championed vigorously.
The inquest continues as further evidence is examined to fully understand the circumstances leading to this devastating loss.
