Harless family files civil rights complaint with DOJ after deadly police shooting

LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) – The daughters of Doug Harless have filed a civil rights complaint with the federal government, asking the Department of Justice to investigate their father’s death.

In December 2024, London police shot and killed Harless inside his home while trying to serve a search warrant. State police later confirmed those officers were at the wrong address.

Third request for federal review

This is now the third time the federal government has been asked to look into the death of Harless.

In February, 13 elected Laurel County officials wrote to the FBI and the DOJ, asking them to determine whether Harless’ civil rights were violated.

Last month, former Laurel County Commonwealth’s Attorneys Tom Handy and Danny Evans wrote to the DOJ calling for answers in the case.

Now, Harless’ daughters have submitted a civil rights complaint, saying they believe their father’s rights were violated and citing law enforcement misconduct. Their attorneys also sent a letter to the U.S. Attorney’s Office voicing their support for a federal investigation.

The letter cites previous calls to investigate. In February, FBI Director Kash Patel told WKYT Investigates’ Samantha Valentino that there is a process with the FBI to review the matter with state and local authorities and partners at the Department of Justice.

“They’ll make a decision on whether or not, based on the facts of the law, any sort of inquiry is further required, and we’ll look at it,” Patel said.

When asked, Governor Andy Beshear said he was not opposed to federal investigators stepping in.

“I don’t think there’s ever harm with someone taking a second look,” Beshear said. “So, if the FBI or the DOJ want to look at it, certainly I believe that all the agencies involved would be willing to share.”

The London Police Department said they also welcome investigators to look at the case.

“The Mayor’s Office and the London Police Department welcome any additional eyes to take a look at the facts of the case. In fact, we encourage anyone that has questions surrounding the case to file an open records request through the Kentucky State Police Custodian of Records so that they can see the facts for themselves,” the London Police Department wrote in a statement to WKYT.

The Harless family’s attorneys said neither the DOJ nor the U.S. Attorney’s Office has responded to them.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office says they have no comment at this time