After mistakenly shooting 16-year-old Ralph Yarl in the head and arm, suspecting him to be a thief, Andrew Lester died while awaiting court verdict in Kansas City. The 86-year-old Lester, who accepted his guilt, was found guilty of second-degree assault. In Kansas City, USA, Andrew Lester died while awaiting court verdict after shooting and severely injuring black teenager Ralph Yarl mistakenly knocking on his door. Lester, aged 86, was found guilty of second-degree aggravated assault last Friday, with his sentence expected to be announced on March 7.

Clay County Prosecutor Zachary Thompson confirmed Lester’s death, expressing condolences to his family in this difficult time. Thompson acknowledged that while legal proceedings have concluded, Lester accepting his crime and taking responsibility for his actions is acknowledged. Thoughts are with both families affected by this tragic event during their healing processes.

WRONG ADDRESS, BLOODY OUTCOME
On April 13, 2023, 16-year-old Ralph Yarl went to the wrong address in Kansas City to pick up his twin brothers and mistakenly knocked on Lester’s door. Lester claimed he thought Yarl was trying to break into his home, leading him to shoot the teen in the head and right arm. The incident sparked outrage nationwide in the USA, reigniting debates on individual gun ownership and racism.

Lester, who claimed innocence after the incident, was released on a $200,000 bail but the court process continued. The prosecution noted that the charge of second-degree assault carries a maximum seven-year prison sentence. Yarl’s family, in a statement concerning Andrew Lester’s death, expressed mixed feelings and disagreed that justice had been served. They emphasized their determination to continue fighting for a world where no child has to fear for their life based solely on the color of their skin.

Yarl’s mother Cleo Nagbe pointed out that Lester’s delayed acceptance of guilt. She stated, “We knew Mr. Lester was guilty nearly two years ago. He was given time to do what he wanted. Two years later, he comes and says he will accept a lighter charge.”

HEALTH CONDITION AND COURT PROCESS
Lester’s attorney Steve Salmon claimed that his client’s mental and physical health issues affected the case, leading to the postponement of the initial trial date from October 2024 to February 2025. The lawyer revealed Lester experienced heart and memory problems, a fractured hip, and significant weight loss. However, in November, the judge deemed Lester fit for trial.

“IT WAS A MIRACLE TO SURVIVE”
In July 2023, Ralph Yarl recounted his terrifying experience on the “Good Morning America” program. He recalled, “He pointed the gun at me… I turned my head and prepared myself,” stating that after being shot, he fell onto the glass and tried to flee amongst shards. Yarl’s ordeal prompted debate on gun laws in the USA, leading to hundreds of protests and raising over $1.7 million for the teen’s medical bills.