Haunting last words of man 'killed by his own dad' while protecting his fiancee

A mother mourning the loss of her son who was shot dead allegedly by his own father, has told of his haunting last words before gunshots rang out.  

Kevin Ward, a young man from Missouri, tragically lost his life on Christmas Eve. It is believed that his father, Harold Luster, aged 61, was responsible for his death following a heated argument within the family.

Kevin, from High Ridge near St. Louis, had been visiting his father’s home when things suddenly turned violent.

Harold Luster, known to have a history of mental and physical abuse by his ex-wife Katherine, was in a dispute with another family member. The argument escalated as he expressed suspicion about his ex-partner being unfaithful.

Luster believed Kevin’s pregnant fiancée, Kaitlyn, knew something and was holding back information. 

During the altercation, Kevin attempted to intervene and pacify his father. However, the situation quickly turned violent as Harold retrieved a gun, initially targeting a vehicle before directing his aggression towards his son.

Overhearing the commotion on the phone was his mother, Katherine, who had been called by Luster. 

She could clear hear her son’s emotive final words before he was shot and killed: ‘Dad, why are you doing this? I don’t deserve this,’ Kevin pleaded. 

Kevin Ward, a 26-year-old man from Missouri, was allegedly killed by his father while protecting his pregnant fiancée, Kaitlyn, pictured

Kevin Ward, a 26-year-old man from Missouri, was allegedly killed by his father while protecting his pregnant fiancée, Kaitlyn, pictured

Kevin's mother, Katherine, has been left distraught after her son was shot and killed

Kevin’s mother, Katherine, has been left distraught after her son was shot and killed

Kevin Ward's father, 61-year-old Harold Luster, is alleged to have shot his son dead on Christmas Eve after a family argument boiled over into violence

Kevin Ward’s father, 61-year-old Harold Luster, is alleged to have shot his son dead on Christmas Eve after a family argument boiled over into violence

Moments later, Kevin was dead having been shot in the forehead with his hands tucked into his pockets. 

‘Kevin sacrificed himself; he was the hero that night,’ Katherine said to KSDK, recounting how her son died while shielding Kaitlyn and their unborn baby from danger.

‘Kevin died protecting the love of his life and their unborn child,’ Katherine said tearfully sharing her disbelief at her son’s untimely death. ‘He would rather die than have her and that baby taken.’

‘My son was the best. He was a great kid that didn’t deserve that night and I wish 1,000 times he never went down there. But me and him never would have thought this would ever happen.

‘It’s almost like I’m in a nightmare and I can’t get out,’ she said. ‘I always thought it was going to be me, not my son.’ 

Now, she wants justice for Kevin: ‘My son cannot breathe, my son cannot walk, my son cannot see. Why should [Luster] get the pleasure of sitting in a jail cell? I want him to suffer every day at that memory.’

Luster has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and armed criminal action. 

He remains in custody without bond, with a court date set for January 3.

Kevin, from High Ridge near St. Louis, had been visiting his father's home when things suddenly turned violent

Kevin, from High Ridge near St. Louis, had been visiting his father’s home when things suddenly turned violent

Mom, Katherine, overheard the commotion on the phone who had been called by Luster

Mom, Katherine, overheard the commotion on the phone who had been called by Luster

A balloon release was held as family members and friends paid tribute to Kevin

A balloon release was held as family members and friends paid tribute to Kevin

It's believed Kevin was shot because his father believed his pregnant fiancée, Kaitlyn, knew something and was holding back information

It’s believed Kevin was shot because his father believed his pregnant fiancée, Kaitlyn, knew something and was holding back information

Kevin, who was the oldest of four brothers, worked for the Missouri Department of Transportation and was remembered by loved ones as a man with ‘big dreams ahead.’ 

A vigil held in his honor drew dozens of mourners, including his former assistant principal, who described him as ‘a man who was truly building a life for himself.’

A GoFundMe has been set up to provide support to the family.  

During a balloon release paying tribute to her son, Kevin’s mother shared a simple message about her son: ‘Kevin was a special person. He didn’t deserve this. He was my hero.’

You May Also Like
Megyn Kelly issues scathing takedown of liberal journalist over reaction to her sister's death

Megyn Kelly Criticizes Liberal Journalist for Insensitive Response to Her Sister’s Death

Megyn Kelly has blasted a liberal tech reporter, calling her a ‘bad person’…
When Will ‘Bosch: Legacy’ Season 3, Episode 5 Premiere on Prime Video?

What is the Release Date for Season 3, Episode 5 of ‘Bosch: Legacy’ on Prime Video?

What’s better than an all-new episode of Bosch: Legacy? Two new episodes…
Harrison Ford indulges in very rare PDA with Calista Flockhart as millionaire pair brave subway

Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart show rare PDA while riding the subway

Harrison Ford indulged in a rare public display of affection with his…
Florida woman points pellet gun at kids fishing near backyard, threatened to 'blow their heads off': officials

Florida Woman Allegedly Pointed Pellet Gun at Children Fishing Nearby in Backyard and Threatened to Shoot Them: Authorities

A woman in Florida was arrested after she allegedly pointed a pellet…
Survivors still being found from Burma earthquake, but hopes begin to fade as deaths exceed 2,700

More survivors discovered after earthquake hits Burma, but as the death toll surpasses 2,700, optimism diminishes.

The NUG, formed by lawmakers who were removed from power in 2021,…
When Is The Next Episode of ‘High Potential’ Coming Out? ‘High Potential’ Season 2 Info

When does the next episode of ‘High Potential’ season 2 release? Get the scoop on the new season here!

There are multiple new shows airing tonight, with CBS presenting a lineup…
'The Rookie' actor Richard T. Jones reflects on 7 seasons on hit ABC TV series - so far!

Richard T. Jones shares his reflections on 7 seasons of ‘The Rookie’ on ABC – and counting!

HOLLYWOOD — Richard T. Jones is always happy to talk about “The…
Missing Los Angeles firefighter's body found by divers off California coast

Rescuers recover body of missing firefighter off California shoreline

The body of a Los Angeles firefighter who went missing while off…
Police in Springfield Township in Delaware County, PA searching for 3 suspects in assault at Urban Air Trampoline Park

Authorities in Springfield Township, Delaware County, PA are looking for three suspects involved in an assault at Urban Air Trampoline Park

SPRINGFIELD TWP., Pa. — Police in Delaware County, Pennsylvania are looking for…
Report: Four of Every Five Illegal Aliens May Be Christians. So What?

Report: Majority of Illegal Aliens Might Identify as Christians. What’s the Significance?

Some people seem to have a very odd idea of what is…
Tesla Cybertruck menace charged in Costco parking lot crime caught on camera: police

Police capture individual allegedly involved in Tesla Cybertruck vandalism at Costco parking lot on video footage.

Another man is facing criminal charges for allegedly vandalizing a Tesla, this…
Hawaiian doctor’s wife describes moment she realized husband was allegedly trying to kill her

Wife of Hawaii doctor shares the moment she discovered her husband was allegedly plotting to harm her

Freshly revealed information pertaining to a Hawaiian physician accused of trying to…