Laurel Co. leaders call for FBI investigation into Doug Harless case

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Laurel County leaders are calling on the FBI to investigate a 2024 shooting in which London police officers shot and killed a 63-year-old man inside his home, after a grand jury declined to indict the officers involved.

“We’re just trying to do the right thing, and that’s to make sure all the ‘I’s’ are dotted and the ‘T’s’ are crossed,” said Laurel County Coroner Doug Bowling.

Judge-Executive David Westerfield submitted the request to the federal Department of Justice, asking whether the civil rights of Doug Harless were violated when London police shot and killed him inside his home in Lily.

Court documents WKYT obtained throughout the investigation into Harless’ death show lawn equipment officers were looking for that night were taken from a property belonging to Westerfield.

Wrong home, no body cameras

Reports indicate police were executing a search warrant at the wrong home at the time of the shooting.

County officials said the public is living in fear following the grand jury’s finding of insufficient evidence to charge anyone in the case. Officials pointed to several concerning factors, including that London Police had suspended their body camera program before the shooting occurred.

“There’s people in Laurel County that are hurt right now. There’s people that are scared; afraid this might occur again,” Bowling said.

Calls for transparency

Those signing the request said the Harless family and the London community deserve transparency.

“I just sympathize with the family, and hopefully we can get some answers and all this will come out in full detail with transparency, with everyone involved. I hope people realize we’re doing everything we can do to make sure this is done right,” Bowling said.