British Woman's Death in Texas Ruled Unlawful Killing by Coroner
Published 11 February 2026
Highlights
- Lucy Harrison, a 23-year-old from Cheshire, was unlawfully killed by her father, Kris Harrison, in Texas on January 10, 2025.
- The Cheshire Coroner's Court ruled the death as gross negligence manslaughter, despite no charges being filed in Texas.
- The incident followed a heated argument about Donald Trump, with Kris Harrison claiming the gun discharged accidentally.
- Lucy's mother, Jane Coates, criticized Texas gun laws, stating they failed to protect her daughter.
- The inquest highlighted cultural differences in gun ownership laws between the UK and the US.
A British woman, Lucy Harrison, was unlawfully killed by her father during a visit to his home in Texas, a coroner has ruled. The 23-year-old from Warrington, Cheshire, was shot in the chest on January 10, 2025, in Prosper, near Dallas. The Cheshire Coroner's Court concluded that her death resulted from gross negligence manslaughter, despite no criminal charges being pursued in Texas.
Tragic Incident and Legal Proceedings
Lucy Harrison's death occurred after a heated argument with her father, Kris Harrison, about Donald Trump, who was set to be inaugurated as president later that month. According to testimony from Lucy's boyfriend, Sam Littler, Kris Harrison led his daughter to his bedroom, where he kept a Glock semi-automatic handgun. Moments later, a gunshot rang out, fatally wounding Lucy.
Kris Harrison, described by the coroner as a functioning alcoholic, claimed the gun discharged accidentally as he showed it to his daughter. However, Senior Coroner Jacqueline Devonish ruled that his actions were reckless, stating, "To shoot her through the chest whilst she was standing would have required him to have been pointing the gun at his daughter and pulling the trigger."
Family's Reaction and Cultural Reflections
Jane Coates, Lucy's mother, expressed deep grief and frustration over the incident, criticizing the lack of legal action in the US. She highlighted the differences in gun laws between Texas and the UK, noting that Texas laws did not require a license for home defense firearms, which she believed contributed to her daughter's death.
In a heartfelt statement, Coates said, "Lucy had so much more of life to live, to love, and to give." She emphasized her daughter's strong sense of justice and urged for change, stating, "Make change, do better, be better."
Broader Implications and Future Considerations
The inquest has sparked discussions about gun safety and the legal frameworks governing firearm ownership in the US. The case underscores the stark contrast between American and British gun laws, raising questions about the adequacy of current regulations in preventing such tragedies.
As the family continues to seek justice and closure, the ruling may prompt further examination of gun laws and their implications for public safety. Legal experts suggest that this case could influence future debates on gun control, particularly in states with lenient regulations like Texas.
What this might mean
Not available
