Kevin, aged 26, and his fiancée, Kaitlyn, who is expecting, were planning to spend the holiday at Kevin’s mother Katherine Ward’s home. However, they first made a stop at his father Harold Luster’s place after traveling from St. Louis.
Tragically, Kevin never reached his mother’s house for the festivities.
The confrontation reportedly began as Kevin and Harold argued over allegations of infidelity concerning Katherine. The 61-year-old allegedly first threatened Kaitlyn with a gun.
The Kansas City Star indicates that Harold accused Kaitlyn of “withholding information” and threatened, “do you wanna get shot?”
The situation escalated further when Kevin instructed Kaitlyn to “run and call 911 if something happened,” as he attempted to defuse the situation.
Footage from a neighbor’s CCTV captured a flash followed by a person falling, apparently injured in the head.
Upon arrival, police and emergency personnel discovered Kevin deceased with his hands in his pockets.
Harold is now facing charges of first-degree murder and armed criminal action.
He remains detained without bond.
Court documents have now disclosed Kevin’s chilling final words before the fatal shot was fired.
Kevin reportedly told his father, “You’re not going to shoot her,” to which Harold allegedly responded, “You wanna get shot instead?”
Kaitlyn recounted witnessing her future father-in-law fire a single bullet at Kevin’s head, causing him to fall.
Kevin’s grieving mother has spoken out, seeking justice for her son’s tragic death.
“A senseless act took my baby away from me,” Katherine stated to KSDK on Friday, sharing details of the tragic confrontation.
She added, “Harold and another family member had been arguing prior, which had nothing to do with Kevin.”
Katherine claimed Harold called her during the dispute, and she heard her son pleading, “Dad, why are you doing this? I don’t deserve this,” before the call ended.
“Kevin died with a gunshot to his forehead and his hands tucked in his pockets,” she continued, “He was ultimately going to shoot Kevin’s fiancée, and Kevin sacrificed himself. He was the hero that night.”
“He would rather die than have her and that baby taken.”