Lucy Harrison was shot while visiting her dad in the US, with criminal proceedings having now concluded
Lucy Harrison(Image: Facebook)
An inquest into death of a Manchester Metropolitan University graduate who was shot dead while on holiday at her dad’s Texas home will be held next year.
It comes after a grand jury in the US determined there wasn’t enough evidence to charge anyone in connection with Lucy Harrison’s death.
The 23-year-old, of Warrington, was visiting her dad’s home in Prosper, Texas, when she suffered a gunshot wound to the chest from what police described as “medium range” on January 10 this year.
She died later that day with an inquest into her death opening on Wednesday, February 12, at Warrington Coroner’s Court.
It was revealed in June that no one was charged in relation to the deadly shooting after the case had gone through the courts in the US with no prosecution. It came after a grand jury had gone over all the information that the prosecutor presented and determined there was not enough probable cause to indict or charge a person for criminal negligent homicide.
Lucy Harrison(Image: Facebook)
During a hearing this week, the coroner explained the inquest could now take place after criminal proceedings had concluded. The two-day inquest is due to take place on February 10 next year at Warrington Coroner’s Court.
A written report following the inquest opening said: “Ms Harrison was on holiday in the USA when she has been fatally shot with a firearm.” Following the hearing earlier this year, Lucy’s mum and boyfriend paid tribute to her.
She was described as “thriving in life” and as being someone who had a “huge capacity to love”.
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An autopsy report from Chester Gwin, MD assistant county medical examiner for Collin County, found Lucy had died as a result of a single gunshot wound, reported to have been fired by another person.
The report also said the Boohoo employee tested negative for alcohol and drugs and was pronounced dead at the Baylor Scott and White Medical Centre in Texas shortly before 4pm on January 10.
She was visiting her dad, Kris Harrison, who lives in Texas. Mr Harrison is believed to have family in Southport.
In a statement issued to the Warrington Guardian, Lucy’s mum, Jane Coates, slammed the decision to not charge anyone for the crime. She said: “They concluded that the evidence did not meet the threshold for criminal charges, meaning that, as far as they are concerned, there will be no criminal charges for the person who shot Lucy.
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“Although we have tried so hard to prepare for this moment, it is a brutal outcome to accept.
“It is baffling and beyond comprehension to us, our families and friends, that there is to be no accountability for what happened to my daughter.
“The international element, coupled with a different legal system, practice, and thresholds, makes the outcome even harder and more frustrating to accept.”
In the tribute released by Cheshire Police, Lucy’s mum and boyfriend said: “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.
“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.
“She could be dramatic and elaborate situations like it was the end of the world, yet she could also be straight talking and not afraid to have bold conversations.
“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.”