A tragic family crime in Kansas has ended with a guilty plea after a 35-year-old man admitted to killing his mother and aunt following an eviction notice at the home they shared.
Kansas Man Pleads Guilty in Double Murder Case
Luke Anthony Howard, a 35-year-old resident of Kansas, has pleaded guilty to two counts of intentional second-degree murder in connection with the shocking deaths of his mother and aunt in 2025.
Howard originally faced first-degree murder charges, but court records confirm he entered a guilty plea on May 13 as part of an agreement with prosecutors in Johnson County.
Victims Were Howard’s Mother and Aunt
The victims were identified as Valerie A. Howard, 63, and Joyce E. Austin, 71.
The two women, who were former sisters-in-law, lived together in Lenexa, Kansas. Howard was also staying at the same residence located in the 15400 block of West 90th Street.
According to investigators, tensions inside the home had been rising for days before the deadly incident.
Police Had Responded to Earlier Domestic Disturbances
Authorities revealed that police officers had visited the home twice in the days leading up to the murders due to domestic disturbance complaints.
Court documents also state that Joyce Austin had reportedly served Howard with a 30-day eviction notice on February 11, 2025.
A day earlier, Austin had contacted police expressing fear for her safety.
Howard Confessed After Walking Into Walgreens
The murders were discovered on February 12, 2025, after Howard walked into a Walgreens store in Liberty wearing blood-stained clothing.
According to court affidavits, he told pharmacy employees that he wanted to surrender himself.
After police arrived, Howard allegedly confessed that he killed both women because they had asked him to leave the home.
Victims Were Found Inside the Home
Investigators found Valerie Howard on the living room floor suffering from gunshot wounds to her abdomen.
Joyce Austin was discovered dead on the couch.
Officials say the crime scene showed clear signs of a violent attack.
Family History of Fear and Violence
Court records reveal Valerie had previously told authorities that her son had shown violent behavior toward her in past years.
Because of this, Valerie and Joyce reportedly spent much of their time locked inside their bedrooms for safety.
Remembering Valerie Howard
According to her obituary, Valerie Howard was known for her love of life and adventure.
She was described as:
- A passionate Kansas City Chiefs fan
- Someone who loved camping and boating
- A traveler who enjoyed ocean waves and peaceful getaways
- A loyal friend who shared many memories with Joyce
Her family remembers her as a warm and caring person who enjoyed making memories with loved ones.
This heartbreaking case highlights how domestic conflicts can sometimes escalate into devastating violence. With Luke Anthony Howard now pleading guilty, the legal process moves toward sentencing, while family members and the local community continue mourning the loss of two women whose lives ended in a tragic and senseless act.
