A father who shot and killed his 23-year-old daughter during a visit to his Texas home will not face criminal prosecution.
Lucy Harrison had travelled from the UK to spend time with her father, Kris Harrison, before returning home with her boyfriend. On the day of the incident, an argument reportedly broke out between father and daughter over political views. According to evidence presented at an inquest, tensions escalated shortly before Lucy was due to leave for the airport.
Moments later, a gun was discharged inside the home. Lucy was shot in the chest and died from her injuries. Medical findings stated the shot was fired at close range.
Kris Harrison later told investigators he had been emotional and could not clearly recall how the gun discharged. A UK coroner concluded that Lucy had been unlawfully killed through gross negligence manslaughter, describing the act as reckless.
However, a grand jury in Texas decided not to bring criminal charges, citing insufficient evidence for prosecution.
The decision has drawn criticism from some legal experts and family members. Lucy’s mother said her daughter had been failed and questioned local gun laws.
The case highlights the tragic consequences of heated conflict involving firearms, and the differences that can arise between legal findings in separate countries.