Grand Jury Declines to Indict in Doug Harless Shooting Death

Family files lawsuit against police over 2023 incident

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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A grand jury has decided not to indict anyone in connection with the death of Doug Harless, a 63-year-old man who was shot and killed by London, Kentucky police officers inside his home more than a year ago. The Harless family has since filed a lawsuit against the city, police department, and nine individual officers, alleging violations of Harless' constitutional rights, excessive force, gross negligence, and wrongful death.

Why it matters

The grand jury's decision not to indict any officers has left the Harless family and community seeking answers and justice, raising questions about police accountability and use of force policies. The ongoing lawsuit could shed more light on the circumstances surrounding Harless' death and the actions of the officers involved.

The details

According to the report, London police were at Harless' home in Lily, Kentucky to serve a search warrant related to an investigation into stolen lawn equipment. Police say Harless pointed a gun at officers, leading them to shoot and kill him. However, dispatch audio indicated the warrant was for a different address, 489 Vanzant Road, while the shooting occurred at Harless' home at 511 Vanzant Road. The officers were not wearing body cameras at the time.

  • On December 23, 2023, London police surrounded Doug Harless' home just before midnight to serve a search warrant.
  • Harless was shot and killed by police inside his home that same night.
  • More than a year later, in February 2026, a grand jury decided not to indict anyone in connection with Harless' death.

The players

Doug Harless

A 63-year-old man who was shot and killed by London, Kentucky police officers inside his home in December 2023.

London Police Department

The police department responsible for the incident that led to Doug Harless' death.

Harless Family

The family of Doug Harless who has filed a lawsuit against the city, police department, and individual officers over his death.

Matthew Leveridge

The special prosecutor who presented the case to the grand jury, which ultimately decided not to indict anyone.

David Westerfield

The Laurel County Judge Executive whose stolen lawn equipment investigation led to the search warrant that was served at the wrong address, resulting in Harless' death.

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What they’re saying

“After hearing extensive testimony on Monday, they did choose not to indict.”

— Matthew Leveridge, Special Prosecutor (WKYT)

What’s next

The Harless family has filed a lawsuit against the city of London, the London Police Department, and nine individual officers. The lawsuit alleges violations of Harless' constitutional rights and makes several claims including excessive force, gross negligence, and wrongful death.

The takeaway

The grand jury's decision not to indict any officers in Doug Harless' shooting death has left his family and the community seeking answers and justice. The ongoing lawsuit could provide more insight into the circumstances surrounding the incident and the actions of the police involved, raising broader questions about police accountability and use of force policies.