High Ridge Man Charged with First-Degree Murder in Christmas Eve Shooting

Jefferson Co., Mo. (KFMO) - The Jefferson County Prosecutor's Office has filed charges of Murder in the First Degree and Armed Criminal Action against 61-year-old Harold E. Luster, of High Ridge. Authorities believe that during a heated disagreement on Christmas Eve, Luster retrieved a firearm from his residence and threatened another individual before allegedly shooting and killing his son, 26-year-old Kevin M. Ward, of St. Louis.

Ward was pronounced dead at the scene, and Luster was taken into custody by deputies from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. He is being held at the county jail on a no-bond warrant.

The incident remains under active investigation by Jefferson County authorities. Further details are expected to emerge as the case develops.