LENEXA, Kan. — New court documents are shedding light on a tragic double homicide that occurred in Johnson County, Kansas this week. Police were called to a residence on West 90th Street in response to a welfare check, prompted by information that individuals inside may have been harmed. Authorities had visited the home twice earlier in the week for domestic disturbance calls.
Upon arrival, officers discovered two deceased women inside the residence. The victims were identified as Joyce Austin, 71, and Valerie Howard, 63, who were former sisters-in-law living together in the home. Luke Howard, 34, the son of Valerie Howard, was arrested following the incident and is now facing two counts of first-degree murder.
According to court documents, Luke Howard confessed to fatally shooting his aunt, Joyce Austin, after she evicted him, before turning the gun on his own mother, Valerie Howard. The suspect entered a Walgreens in Liberty, Missouri covered in blood, where he informed employees about the need to surrender himself to authorities.
Authorities later found Valerie Howard on the living room floor with gunshot wounds to her abdomen, while Joyce Austin was found deceased on the couch with similar injuries. Evidence at the scene indicated the presence of 10 to 12 shell casings, suggesting a violent confrontation.
The affidavit revealed that tensions had been escalating in the household, with a history of violence. Luke Howard alleged that his mother had grabbed him and assaulted him, prompting a call for help. Following an eviction notice issued by Joyce Austin, Luke’s behavior grew more volatile, leading to the tragic outcome.
Luke Howard’s emotional and violent outburst culminated in the loss of two lives and his subsequent confession to law enforcement. The community remains in shock as details of this heartbreaking incident continue to unfold, underscoring the devastating impact of domestic disputes when left unresolved.