US authorities have said no criminal charges will be made over the death of a British woman who was shot during a holiday. Lucy Harrison, 23, from Warrington, was visiting her father in the town of Prosper in Texas when she was fatally wounded on 10 January. The local district attorney's office confirmed "the grand jury voted a no-bill, which means there will be no criminal charges related to the death". In a tribute released to theWarrington Guardian, Ms Harrison's mother Jane Coates said: "Although we have tried so hard to prepare for this moment, it is a brutal outcome to accept." The exact circumstances of how Ms Harrison was shot havenot been publicly revealed. A heavily redacted police report previously said a suspect had been identified by officers, along with five witnesses, at her father's property. Ms Coates said a grand jury, which had since reviewed the case, "concluded that the evidence didn't meet the threshold for criminal charges". "This means that, as far as they are concerned, there will be no criminal charges for the person who shot Lucy." She added her family found it "baffling and beyond comprehension" that there would 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." Along with Ms Harrison's partner, Sam Littler, she said she would "welcome learning more from communities and groups in Texas who are working to prevent gun deaths". Ms Coates added her daughter, who studied sociology and took part in college debates, would have been a "fierce advocate of this". Mr Littler, who met Ms Harrison when they attended the same school, said: "This outcome has left us baffled, heartbroken and it has been incredibly frustrating to understand the thresholds and legal system in Texas." He said he was "one of the very fortunate ones who met 'their person' at a very young age and I will be forever grateful to experience that, even for just one minute". "Like Jane, I miss the smiles, the belly laughs, and how passionate and driven she was when she talked about her work." A UK coroner is due to hold an inquest over Ms Harrison's death at a later date, Ms Coates said. About 400 people attended her daughter's funeral at a church in Warrington, where the young couple had recently bought a home. Read more stories fromCheshireon the BBC, watchBBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayerand followBBC North West on X. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
No criminal charges over British woman shot in US
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"No Criminal Charges Filed in Shooting Death of British Woman in Texas"
Bbc News
7.6
TruthLens AI Summary
US authorities have announced that no criminal charges will be filed in the case of Lucy Harrison, a 23-year-old British woman who was shot and killed while visiting her father in Prosper, Texas, on January 10. The local district attorney's office confirmed that a grand jury voted a 'no-bill,' indicating that the evidence presented did not meet the legal threshold for criminal prosecution. The details surrounding the incident remain unclear, as a heavily redacted police report suggested that a suspect had been identified along with five witnesses at the scene. Lucy's mother, Jane Coates, expressed her devastation at the outcome, noting that despite their efforts to prepare for this moment, the decision not to charge anyone feels brutal and incomprehensible. She emphasized the challenges posed by the different legal standards in the US compared to the UK, which adds to the family's frustration regarding the lack of accountability for Lucy's death.
In the wake of the grand jury's decision, both Jane Coates and Lucy's partner, Sam Littler, have called for greater awareness and action to prevent gun violence. Jane Coates highlighted that Lucy, who had a strong passion for advocacy and social issues, would have supported efforts aimed at reducing gun deaths in the community. Littler, recalling their long-standing relationship, shared his heartbreak over the outcome, stating that it has left them both baffled and frustrated with the legal system in Texas. He fondly remembered Lucy's warmth and passion for her work, underscoring the profound loss felt by her loved ones. Meanwhile, a UK coroner is expected to conduct an inquest into Lucy's death, which may provide further insights into the circumstances surrounding her tragic passing. The community in Warrington has shown its support, with around 400 attendees at her funeral, reflecting the impact Lucy had on those around her.
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