Monthly vigils continue as questions linger in Doug Harless shooting

LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56) — London came together again on Wednesday to remember Doug Harless.

“We’re gonna say Doug Harless every month. We’re going to remember him,” Jamie Burns, the vigil organizer, said.

Seven months of gathering—demanding answers. Supporters said Harless would still be alive if not for reckless actions by the London Police Department.

“It’s heartbreaking. It’s heartbreaking that it’s been seven months,” Burns said.

The 63-year-old was shot and killed in December while police served a search warrant for stolen items—including a weed eater belonging to Laurel County Judge Executive David Westerfield.
The man accused of stealing those items, Hobert Buttery, had been arrested earlier that day—and told police the stolen property was at a home on Vanzant Road.

But that’s where the questions began—with many in the community asking if officers even went to the right house.

“For seven months, we’ve begged for transparency. I always say we want the three A’s—answers, accountability, and action. We’ve gotten zero of that,” Burns said.

Buttery took a plea deal this week. He faces 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. His formal sentencing is set for Aug. 13.

Those close to the cause call the plea a small win—but said much more needs to be done.

“I don’t think he’s innocent. What he did was the start of a tragic chain of events. But just like he’s being held accountable, whoever killed Doug should be too.”

These vigils last 23 minutes and are held on the 23rd of every month—a symbolic nod to the day Harless died.

Organizers said they’ll keep showing up—no matter how few stand with them—until justice is served.

“We got justice for the stolen equipment. Where’s the justice for Doug?” Burns said.