Andrew Lester, the 85-year-old accused of shooting 16-year-old Ralph Yarl in Kansas City, Missouri, is expected to plead guilty to second-degree assault, according to the Associated Press. The plea comes nearly a year after the April 2023 incident that drew national attention. Lester allegedly shot Yarl, a Black teenager and gifted musician from Staley High School, after Yarl mistakenly knocked on his door while trying to pick up his younger brothers at the wrong address.
Yarl survived the shooting but faced a challenging recovery from a traumatic brain injury. He later reflected on the ordeal: “I’m one teenager hurt by a shooting, and my heart and mind go out to so many others shot and unheard. My hope is that justice will ultimately be served.”
The shooting occurred late on April 13, 2023, when Yarl arrived at Lester’s home on Northeast 115th Street instead of the intended address on Northeast 115th Terrace. According to the probable cause statement, Lester shot Yarl twice through a glass door without any verbal exchange, later claiming he believed someone was trying to break into his home. He admitted it was “the last thing he wanted to do” but said he was “scared to death” due to Yarl’s size and his own age.
Police found evidence at the scene, including shattered glass, blood on the porch and driveway, and a .32-caliber revolver with two spent shell casings. While a video system was present in the home, it was no longer functional. Lester told authorities he fired his weapon within seconds of opening the door.
The case sparked national outrage, with public figures like Jennifer Hudson expressing support for Yarl. Initially, Lester was released without charges, prompting protests and widespread calls for justice.
Despite his injury, Yarl graduated from high school and continues his recovery. Reflecting on the broader issue of gun violence, he emphasized, “Shooting as a first response to uncertainty or conflict should instead be resolved by using words, not weapons.”
Link: KMBC
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