LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) — The family of a man shot and killed by London police days before Christmas in 2024 has filed a lawsuit against Kentucky State Police, accusing the agency of withholding records related to the case.
On Dec. 23, 2024, Doug Harless was at his home when London police arrived to serve a search warrant at the wrong house. Shots were fired during the encounter, and Harless later died from his injuries. In February, a grand jury declined to indict the officers involved, and Laurel County officials requested a federal investigation into the incident.
More than a year later, Harless’ family says they are still seeking answers. On March 10, Harless’ daughters, Nicki Lawson and Mona Alsip, filed a lawsuit demanding the immediate release of the investigative file.
According to the lawsuit, the sisters first submitted an open records request on Jan. 13, 2025, seeking the search warrant and supporting affidavit. That request was denied because the documents were tied to an active investigation.
About 11 months later, Kentucky State Police reportedly completed their investigation and transferred the case to Commonwealth’s Attorney Matthew Leveridge. Court records show the case was presented to a grand jury in February 2026, which chose not to indict the officers involved.
After the grand jury’s decision, Lawson and Alsip submitted another open records request. The lawsuit states that a week later, state police responded by saying they needed additional time and would provide a response by April 13, 2026.
“Since the investigation and criminal prosecution had concluded, there was no justification to withhold the records,” the lawsuit states. “This response violates KRS 61.800(1), which expressly requires public agencies to make a final determination regarding an open records request within five business days of the request, indicating whether they will comply with the request or deny it in whole or in part.”
The lawsuit also claims the delay is unjustified because the requested documents are public court records that should not require redactions.
Thomas Law Offices, representing the family, argued that production delays are only appropriate if documents are in active use, in storage, or otherwise unavailable.
“Since then, they’ve filed another request only to recover the warrant. Again, they were denied,” the law firm stated. “This request sought only a small set of documents that would require no redactions due to their nature as public, court documents. KSP has subverted the open records act by delaying the responses and processing of these requests.”
The lawsuit brings three claims against Kentucky State Police, including alleged violations of the Kentucky Open Records Act, along with requests for a temporary restraining order and a temporary injunction.
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