An inquest has revealed a British woman who died on holiday in Texas was shot by her alcoholic father in a bedroom where no one else was present, as questions emerge about his firearms training and whether he knew the gun was loaded.
Lucy Harrison, 23, from Cheshire, suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the chest from “medium range” at a detached house in Prosper, Texas on 10 January last year. She had been visiting with her boyfriend Sam Littler when the shooting occurred.
Cheshire Coroner’s Court heard for the first time on Tuesday that Lucy’s father Kris Harrison fired the shot that killed the fashion buyer. The inquest was told he had a history of alcoholism and that concerns would be raised regarding his level of firearms training and whether he was aware there was a bullet in the weapon.
The proceedings took place after lawyers representing Kris Harrison unsuccessfully attempted to have the coroner removed from the case. They accused her of being “biased” in their application for her to step aside, though their challenge was rejected.
A grand jury in Texas determined on 10 June last year that no-one would be prosecuted over Lucy’s death. The police report concluded she died of a gunshot wound inflicted “by another person,” though US authorities decided not to pursue criminal charges.
The circumstances surrounding how the shooting occurred in the bedroom at the property remain under examination. The inquest will investigate the events leading to Lucy being shot at medium range whilst alone with her father in the room.
Kris Harrison’s history of alcohol dependency has become a focus of the investigation, alongside questions about his competence with firearms. Coroner officials indicated they would examine whether he received adequate training in weapon safety and handling.
A critical question facing the inquest is whether Kris Harrison was aware the gun contained live ammunition at the time of the shooting. This detail could prove significant in determining the circumstances of Lucy’s death and how the tragedy unfolded.
A tribute released by Lucy’s mother and boyfriend through Cheshire Police described her as someone who “lived life fiercely and fearlessly.” The statement read: “Lucy was life. She lived it fiercely and fearlessly, not being afraid to feel all that life has to offer. Lucy unashamedly loved – she had a huge capacity to love and be loved.”
The tribute continued: “She was the embodiment of wonderful contradictions; she adored travel and being away, experiencing new places and cultures, yet at the same time, she loved nothing more than snuggling up in her pyjamas with her candles on at home.”
Her family added: “She was truly thriving in life and although this gives us great comfort, we are utterly heartbroken at the loss of our beautiful, gorgeous Luce.”
The inquest is expected to examine evidence from Texas authorities regarding the grand jury’s decision not to prosecute, alongside medical evidence about the nature of the gunshot wound. Proceedings will continue as the coroner investigates the full circumstances of Lucy Harrison’s death whilst on holiday at her father’s American home.
