A father expressed deep remorse for fatally shooting his 23-year-old daughter while she was vacationing in the United States. The incident occurred at his residence in Texas, where the victim, Lucy Harrison, was staying with her boyfriend, Sam Littler. The tragic event, detailed during an inquest at Cheshire Coroner’s Court, revealed that Lucy, a graduate of Manchester Metropolitan University, succumbed to a gunshot wound to her chest. The circumstances surrounding her death were disclosed for the first time this week, with allegations that her father, Kris Harrison, misled authorities about consuming alcohol on the day of the incident in January 2025.
Lucy and Sam had flown from Heathrow Airport to Prosper, Texas, to visit her father on December 28, 2024. The fatal shooting occurred as they were preparing to depart from the residence. Medical reports indicated that Lucy was shot in the chest by another individual, and toxicology results confirmed the absence of alcohol or drugs in her system. A Texas jury decided not to press charges in connection with her death on June 10 of the previous year. The individual involved in the shooting remains unnamed unless criminal charges are pursued by the jury.
In a statement released through his legal representatives, Mr. Harrison acknowledged the gravity of his actions and expressed profound regret for the irreversible loss. He emphasized the enduring impact of the tragedy on his life and extended heartfelt apologies for the pain inflicted on others by the incident. Mr. Harrison recounted that he and Lucy were watching a news report on gun violence when he revealed the presence of a handgun and invited her to view it. The handgun, a Glock 9mm semi-automatic, was stored in a bedside cabinet for home defense, which did not require a license in Texas. Mr. Harrison claimed that the fatal shot was fired accidentally while showing Lucy the gun, and he admitted to briefly consuming alcohol that day due to emotional distress.
Jane Coates, Lucy’s mother, described her daughter as a vibrant individual who worked for the fashion brand Boohoo, highlighting her caring nature and passionate engagement in meaningful discussions. Testimony from Lucy’s boyfriend, Sam, suggested a heated argument between Lucy and her father coinciding with Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration. The altercation reportedly led to Lucy retreating upstairs in distress, as narrated by Sam during the investigation.
