A Kansas man who fled to Missouri after fatally shooting his mother and aunt has pleaded guilty to the killings.
Man Pleads Guilty in Double Murder Case
Luke Howard, 35, pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder in the deaths of his mother, Valerie Howard, 63, and his aunt, Joyce Austin, 71.
The two women were found shot to death inside their Lenexa, Kansas, home in February 2025.
Suspect Later Turned Himself In
Authorities said Howard was arrested at a Walgreens in Liberty, Missouri, after telling employees he wanted to surrender to police.
Investigators said his clothes were covered in blood, and he later confessed to officers.
Prior Disputes Reported Before Killings
Police said officers had responded to the home days earlier after reports of a physical altercation between Howard and his mother.
According to investigators, Austin had recently given Howard a 30-day eviction notice and had previously reported threats involving him.
Authorities believe the eviction dispute may have been a motive in the killings.
Sentencing Scheduled Later This Year
Howard was originally charged with first-degree murder before later accepting a plea deal.
His sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 24.
