A Christmas Eve gathering in High Ridge, Missouri, turned into a heartbreaking tragedy when a family argument escalated into violence. Harold Luster, 61, is accused of fatally shooting his 26-year-old son, Kevin M. Ward, during a dispute over allegations of infidelity involving Luster’s wife. The incident unfolded in the presence of Ward’s fiancée.
The confrontation took place around 8:55 p.m. on December 24, 2024, at a residence along Highway PP, about 25 miles southwest of St. Louis. Luster has been charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action and is currently held without bail.
According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the argument began when Luster accused Ward’s fiancée of withholding information about his wife’s alleged affair. Tensions rose quickly, with Luster allegedly threatening the fiancée by asking, “Do you want to get shot?”
Ward reportedly stepped in to de-escalate the situation, urging his fiancée to leave and call for help if the conflict worsened. As the argument shifted focus to father and son, Ward tried to reassure his father, saying, “You’re not going to shoot her.” Luster allegedly responded with a chilling ultimatum, “You want to get shot instead?”
Witnesses say Luster then shot Ward in the forehead. Nearby security camera footage reportedly captured the tragic sequence of events, showing Luster raising his weapon moments before Ward collapsed.
Ward’s fiancée, who witnessed the shooting, provided key testimony to investigators. Luster was arrested shortly after the incident and now awaits legal proceedings.
The senseless act has left the family shattered during what should have been a time of celebration. Authorities continue to investigate the events that led to the fatal altercation.