Missouri Man Charged with Murder After Shooting Son on Christmas Eve

Missouri resident charged with first-degree murder after Christmas Eve incident. ( Tampa Free Press)

A Missouri man has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting and killing his son on Christmas Eve.

Harold E. Luster, 61, from High Ridge, faces charges of first-degree murder and armed criminal action following the fatal shooting at his home. According to a probable cause statement filed by Detective Jason Perkins, Luster became enraged after a disagreement with his son’s fiancée. He accused her of withholding information about the alleged infidelity of Ward’s mother. In the heat of the argument, Luster reportedly threatened the woman, saying, "Do you wanna get shot?"

The fiancée of the victim witnessed the incident and reported that Kevin M. Ward, 26, tried to intervene and de-escalate the situation, telling Luster, "You're not going to shoot her." In response, Luster allegedly retorted, "You wanna get shot instead?" before firing the gun, striking his son.

Investigators believe that Luster and Ward had been arguing before Luster retrieved a firearm and threatened another person, which escalated to the shooting. Video footage from a nearby home appears to support the fiancée’s account of the events.

Luster is currently being held without bond at the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Jail.

Stay updated on this developing story and other true crime news by following SavageRoyalT.com.