By Karim Hammam
The mother of Lucy Harrison, a 23-year-old British woman shot and killed by her father in Texas, has been told by Cheshire Police that they have "no lawful authority to intervene" in the case.
Coroner rules unlawful killing
A UK coroner concluded in February that Harrison was unlawfully killed, finding her father's actions amounted to gross negligence manslaughter under UK law. However, a grand jury in Collin County, Texas, declined to indict Kris Harrison, who said the gun discharged accidentally.
Police cite jurisdictional limits
In a letter to Harrison's mother, Jane Coates, Deputy Chief Constable Mike Evans said the force is constrained by legal and jurisdictional realities. While a senior investigating officer was appointed and a family liaison officer assigned, Evans said practical ability to investigate and prosecute remains severely limited when all evidence and witnesses are overseas.
Family seeks further investigation
Coates traveled to Texas to meet the district attorney but was refused a meeting. The family's lawyer, Radd Seiger, said they have serious concerns about the US investigation and that new evidence from Lucy's phone download is relevant. They are asking Cheshire Police to obtain and examine evidence not yet properly investigated.
Ongoing efforts
The family says they will not accept that the investigation is complete simply because US authorities have decided not to proceed. Cheshire Police said they recognize the exceptional circumstances and remain committed to providing whatever support is realistically available.
