He Died Protecting His Pregnant Fiancée From His Father — Mom Shares Her Son's Last Words
Harold Luster, 61, mug shot. Photo courtesy of Jefferson County Sheriff.
In a tragedy that has left a Missouri family shattered, Kevin Ward's final moments were spent protecting the woman he loved. On Christmas Eve 2024, Ward was allegedly shot dead by his own father, who reportedly targeted Ward's pregnant fiancée during a violent altercation. Ward's grieving mother described his last words as a testament to his courage and selflessness.
A Heroic Act Ends in Tragedy
On Christmas Eve, 26-year-old Kevin Ward and his fiancée, Kaitlyn, visited his father, Harold Luster. Afterward, the couple planned to continue on to his mother Katherine Ward's house for the holiday. Earlier in the day, Luster reportedly had been in an argument with another family member, a conflict that left him visibly agitated. Tensions further escalated when Luster accused Kevin's mother, Katherine, of infidelity and believed that Kevin and Kaitlyn were withholding information about an alleged affair.
During the altercation, Kevin reportedly told Kaitlyn to get him a knife and to call 911 if anything happened. According to the probable cause statement, as Kaitlyn began to leave, she heard Kevin attempting to calm his father, saying, "You're not going to shoot her," as reported by the Sun Herald. According to the same source, Luster allegedly responded, "You wanna get shot instead?" Kevin's efforts to protect Kaitlyn and their unborn child turned the dangerous confrontation into a heartbreaking tragedy.
Kevin's Final Words
During the conflict, Luster called Katherine, and over the phone, she heard Kevin's final words: "Dad, why are you doing this? I don't deserve this," as reported by the New York Post. Moments later, the line went dead, according to Katherine. Kevin was tragically shot in the forehead, and shortly after, Luster called Katherine to confess that he had shot someone, as reported by the New York Post.
Kevin's selfless actions shielded Kaitlyn from harm. As reported by PEOPLE, Katherine said, "Kevin died with a gunshot to his forehead and his hands tucked in his pockets." She said Luster "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."
A Troubled Relationship
Kevin's grieving mother described her relationship with Harold Luster as "on and off again," denying his accusations of infidelity and alleging he was both physically and mentally abusive, as reported by the New York Post. At the time of the tragedy, Luster was reportedly living with another woman.
A Mother's Grief
Katherine Ward tearfully shared the profound pain of losing her son with local news outlet KSDK, and NBC affiliate, expressing her heartbreak over the future moments Kevin would miss. "I will have to sit there and hold his baby for the first time because he won't be able to," she said, tears streaming down her face.
Reflecting on the tragic night, she added, "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."
Kevin and Kaitlyn, who were expecting their baby in June 2025, had been excitedly planning for their future together. Kevin, a maintenance worker for the Missouri Department of Transportation, had expressed a strong desire to provide a stable and loving home for his growing family — a dream that reflected his selflessness and dedication to those he loved.
Seeking Justice
Harold Luster has been charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action for the death of his son. He is currently being held in Jefferson County without bond and has entered a plea of not guilty. As the investigation continues, prosecutors are seeking the maximum penalty for his actions.
For Kevin's family, the legal proceedings are a step toward closure, though the pain of his loss remains profound. They hope justice will honor Kevin's memory and the sacrifices he made to protect those he loved.
References: Mom Reveals Her Son's Final Words Before He Was Reportedly Shot Dead by His Own Father While Protecting His Pregnant Fianceé | Missouri son Kevin Ward fatally shot by his dad as he tried to protect pregnant fianceé on Christmas Eve: 'He was the hero' | Dad upset over accusations his partner was cheating shoots and kills son, MO cops say | 'I'm in a nightmare and I can't get out' | St. Louis County mom wants justice after her son was shot, killed by his father on Christmas Eve
