New mayor calls for answers in unresolved Douglas Harless investigation

September 9, 2025

ABC 36 Digital Staff,

LONDON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Just days after taking office, London Mayor Tracie Handley is pressing state officials for answers in the unresolved investigation into the death of city maintenance worker Douglas Harless.

In a letter dated Monday, September 8, and sent to Kentucky State Police Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Mayor Handley called the lack of updates on the case “unacceptable” and said it has left the Harless family and the community without closure.

Harless, 63, was shot and killed just before midnight on December 23, 2024, when London police officers mistakenly executed a search warrant at the wrong address. Police say they announced themselves before entering through the front door, where they encountered Harless holding a gun. An officer fired several times, killing him.

Handley said the absence of information since that night has created frustration, pain, and distrust, while placing an unnecessary emotional burden on Harless’ loved ones.

“The Harless family itself has suffered,” Handley wrote. “This family has been forced to bury their patriarch without understanding why he died.”

The mayor formally requested that investigators:

Confirm whether a specific timeline exists for the investigation
Provide a preliminary findings report that can be shared without compromising the case
Release non-sensitive documents where possible

Handley added that her duty as mayor is to demand accountability and ensure transparency for the people of London.

Her appointment as mayor came last Friday, after former Mayor Randall Weddle was impeached and removed from office by the city council.

UPDATE 9/10/2025: ABC 36 News Now received the following statement from Kentucky State Police, in response to Mayor Handley’s letter:

“The Kentucky State Police understands the importance of this case for all parties involved. KSP is committed to conducting a thorough investigation and detectives are meticulously reviewing all aspects of the incident. The investigation remains open at this time, and to protect the integrity of the investigation, specific information will not be released. As soon as the investigation is complete, it will be submitted to the prosecutor for review, at which time additional information may be available to the public.”