UK police say they cannot help mother fight for justice in daughter's Texas killing

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 31 Oct, 19:20 · Archive

UK police have told the mother of Lucy Harrison, a 23-year-old British woman shot dead by her father in Texas, that they have no authority to intervene.

Lucy Harrison, 23, a fashion buyer from Warrington, Cheshire, was shot through the chest by her father Kris Harrison at his home in Prosper, Texas, on 10 January 2025, the day before she was due to fly home to the UK.

A grand jury in Collin County, Texas, decided there was insufficient evidence to bring criminal charges. Mr Harrison claimed his handgun had discharged accidentally while he was showing it to his daughter. In February this year, a coroner in England concluded Ms Harrison had been unlawfully killed, finding that her father's actions amounted to gross negligence manslaughter under UK law.

Ms Harrison's mother, Jane Coates, asked Cheshire Police to examine evidence that has not yet been investigated, including messages recently found on her daughter's phone. The family said they have serious concerns about the investigation by US authorities. Cheshire Constabulary responded that it has 'no lawful authority' to intervene, citing 'significant operational, evidential and jurisdictional barriers'. Deputy Chief Constable Mike Evans said the force recognised the family's loss but was constrained by legal and practical realities.

Ms Coates has travelled to US prosecutors to call for the investigation to be reopened. Her lawyer Radd Seiger said the family has now spent nearly two years fighting for justice.

How it is being reported

• Family of British woman shot dead by dad in Texas ask UK police to help with 'new evidence'The family of Lucy Harrison, a 23-year-old British woman who was shot dead by her dad in the US, have asked Cheshire Police to help obtain new evidenceThe Mirror · 31 Oct, 19:00
• UK police tell mother of British woman shot and killed by her father in Texas they have 'no authority to intervene' in her fight for justiceLucy Harrington, 23, from Warrington, in Cheshire, died on January 10 last year after she was shot in the chest.Daily Mail · 31 Oct, 14:51

In this story: Lucy Harrison · Kris Harrison · Jane Coates · Cheshire Police · Warrington · Prosper, Texas

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