A UK inquest has begun examining the tragic death of 23-year-old British fashion buyer Lucy Harrison, who was fatally shot while visiting her father in Prosper, Texas. The Cheshire Coroner’s Court heard emotional testimony describing the final hours before the incident, which unfolded shortly before she planned to return home to the United Kingdom.
Investigators are reviewing witness accounts, family statements, and the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting that shocked both the UK and the US.
Donald Trump’s Argument Before The Fatal Shooting
The court heard that Lucy Harrison and her father, Kris Harrison, became involved in a “big” argument on the morning of January 10, 2025. The disagreement reportedly focused on Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration and broader political issues. Lucy’s boyfriend, Sam Littler, told the hearing that tensions escalated quickly.
“Kris and Lucy ended up having quite a big argument, which led to Lucy running upstairs and being upset.”
He added that Lucy confronted her father during the dispute, asking: “How would you feel if I were the girl in that situation and I’d been sexually assaulted?”
Boyfriend Describes The Final Moments Before The Gunshot
According to Littler’s testimony, the family appeared to calm down after the argument. However, about half an hour before leaving for the airport, Kris Harrison took Lucy by the hand and led her into a ground-floor bedroom. Littler said he heard a loud bang moments later.
“I remember running into the room, and Lucy was lying on the floor near the entrance to the bathroom, and Kris was just screaming, just sort of nonsense.”
Emergency services later confirmed that Lucy died from a single gunshot wound to the chest.
Inquest Hears About Gun Ownership And Alcohol History
Witnesses told the court that Lucy often felt uneasy about her father’s gun ownership, which had caused arguments in the past. The inquest also heard that Kris Harrison had previously attended rehabilitation for alcohol addiction.
His legal team argued that the proceedings resembled a criminal investigation rather than a fact-finding hearing, while lawyers for Lucy’s family strongly disputed that claim. The coroner rejected a request to step down from the case.
Family Tributes And Ongoing Legal Questions
Lucy’s mother, Jane Coates, described her daughter as a passionate and outspoken young woman who loved debate and cared deeply about social issues. She said Lucy was a “real force of life”. The inquest continues to review the evidence to determine the circumstances of her death. Authorities in Texas previously investigated the case, but no criminal charges were filed after a grand jury declined to indict.
The court is expected to conclude proceedings soon, offering final findings into the tragic events that ended Lucy Harrison’s life during what began as a family holiday abroad.
