London vigil demands justice for Doug Harless as FBI inquiry sought

Supporters gathered to keep pressure on the case and ensure the justice system hears their voices after a grand jury declined to indict anyone in connection with Harless' death.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Supporters of Doug Harless gathered in London, Kentucky on Monday to hold a vigil and demand accountability in his death, days after a grand jury declined to indict anyone in connection with the case. The demonstration was organized to keep the pressure on and ensure the justice system hears their voices. Earlier, Laurel County's judge executive sent a letter to the FBI requesting an inquiry into whether Harless' civil rights were violated and whether federal charges could be filed.

Why it matters

The vigil highlights ongoing concerns in the community about the handling of Harless' case and the perceived lack of justice. The request for an FBI inquiry suggests a belief that the local investigation was insufficient or biased, raising broader questions about police accountability and transparency.

The details

Harless was shot and killed in his home by a London police officer on December 23, 2024 while officers were attempting to serve a search warrant. Dispatch audio later revealed the officers may have been at the wrong address. On Friday, a special prosecutor presented findings to a grand jury, which declined to file an indictment, and no criminal charges were filed.

  • Harless was shot and killed on December 23, 2024.
  • On Friday, a grand jury declined to indict anyone in connection with Harless' death.
  • The vigil was held on Monday, February 24, 2026.

The players

Doug Harless

The individual who was shot and killed by a London police officer in his home in 2024.

Jamie Burns

An organizer of the vigil held to demand accountability in Harless' death.

William

A friend of Doug Harless who spoke at the vigil, referencing the emblem of Lady Justice on the front of the Laurel County Courthouse.

David Westerfield

The Laurel County Judge Executive who sent a letter to the FBI requesting an inquiry into whether Harless' civil rights were violated.

Kentucky State Police

The law enforcement agency that investigated Harless' death.

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What they’re saying

“This is just us continuing to remember Doug Harless, continuing to show up for Doug Harless and continuing to make sure that they know that we won't forget — until there is justice we are going to be here.”

— Jamie Burns, Organizer of the vigil

“That big emblem on the building — that lady is blindfolded. How can you represent justice when you are blind to what is actually going on.”

— William, Friend of Doug Harless

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the FBI to conduct an inquiry into whether Harless' civil rights were violated and if federal charges could be filed.

The takeaway

This case has sparked outrage in the community over the perceived lack of justice and transparency in the investigation into Doug Harless' death. The ongoing calls for an independent federal inquiry suggest a deep mistrust in the local authorities' handling of the case and a desire for a more thorough and impartial review of the circumstances surrounding Harless' killing.