A dreadful family feud over an argument on Christmas Eve has claimed the life of a soon-to-be father in Missouri.
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According to the Kansas City Star, Kevin Ward, 26, was killed by his father, Harold Luster, 61. The report explains that Luster killed Ward while he was trying to protect his fiancee. Ward's fiancee was arguing with Luster over allegations that Ward's mother, his partner, was cheating on him.
According to the report, Luster accused Ward's fiancee of "withholding information." He then asked her if she "wanted to get shot?" Leaping to her defense, Ward told his fiancee to give him a knife and allegedly told her to "run and call 911 if something happens."
The situation escalated when Ward attempted to calm his father down. According to the Kansas City Star, Ward told his father, "You're not going to shoot her." Luster allegedly replied, "You want to get shot instead?" Authorities state that Ward's fiancee witnessed Luster fire a single shot at his forehead.
Authorities in Missouri Have Charged Harold With 1st Degree Murder
The
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office posted an update on Christmas Day stating: "Investigators have probable cause to believe that during a disagreement, Harold retrieved a firearm from the residence and threatened another person before allegedly shooting his son." Authorities have charged Harold with 1st Degree Murder and Armed Criminal Action.In an interview with KSDK, Katherine Ward, Kevin's mother, provided more insight into the situation and how the family is dealing with the loss. She explained," (Luster) and another family member had been arguing prior, that did have nothing to do with Kevin. He was already worked up over that incident." Katherine also described her relationship with Luster as "physically and mentally abusive."
"My son cannot breathe, my son cannot walk, my son cannot see, my son is not here no more. Why should he (Luster) get the pleasure of sitting? Even though it's a jail cell, he's still alive, and I want him to suffer every day at that memory," she said.
According to the KSDK report, Harold Luster pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. He made the plea on Thursday and is due back in court on January 3, 2025.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family with expenses. At the time of writing, the fundraiser has raised $1905 of a $2800 goal.
