Ralph Yarl’s Shooter Dies While Awaiting Sentencing For His Crime

Source: Kansas City Police Department/Ralph Yarl’s Family / Kansas City Police Department/Ralph Yarl’s Family

The white man who pleaded guilty in the April 2023 shooting of 16-year-old Ralph Yarl died Wednesday while awaiting sentencing for his crime. 

Andrew Lester, an 86-year-old man from Kansas City, pleaded guilty to felony assault in the second degree on Friday and was set to be sentenced on March 7. 

ABC News reports Clay County Prosecuting Attorney Zachary Thompson said in an announcement, “We have learned of the passing of Andrew Lester and extend our sincere condolences to his family during this difficult time. While the legal proceedings have now concluded, we acknowledge that Mr. Lester did take responsibility for his actions by pleading guilty in this case. Our thoughts remain with both families affected by this tragic incident as they continue their healing process.”

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Second-degree assault, a Class D felony, carries with it the sentencing possibility of up to seven years in prison, Thompson said at a press conference after Friday’s hearing.

Lester was initially charged with one count of felony assault in the first-degree and one count of armed criminal action, also a felony, in the shooting of Yarl, who mistakenly went to Lester’s Kansas City home after arriving at the wrong address to pick up his twin brothers from a play date on April 13, 2023.

Lester, who is white, shot Yarl in the head and right arm, saying he believed someone was trying to break into his house, according to a probable cause statement obtained by ABC News. He initially pleaded not guilty in 2023 and was released on a $200,000 bond.

Yarl was 16 at the time of the shooting and suffered a traumatic brain injury, according to his family.

Ralph Yarl’s family had mixed feelings about Lester’s death. 

In a statement to ABC News, the family said, “The news of Andrew Lester’s passing brings a mix of emotions, but it does not bring justice. We remain committed to seeking a world where no child fears for their life because of their race, and no family has to endure what we have. Ralph’s story is far from over, and neither is our fight for justice.”

In 2023, Yarl himself told Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts about the shooting. 

“He points [the gun] at me … so I kinda, like, brace and I turn my head,” Yarl said.  “Then it happened. And then I’m on the ground … and then I fall on the glass. The shattered glass. And then before I know it I’m running away shouting, ‘Help me, help me.’”

In an interview Friday night with ABC News, Yarl’s mother expressed hope that the family would be able to move on despite being unhappy with the plea deal Lester was given. 

“About two years ago, we knew Mr. Lester was guilty,” Cleo Nagbe said. “We let him do what he wanted to do and waited two years after for him to show up and say, ‘I’m going to plead guilty to the lesser of the charges.’ So we’re sick of this. So let’s just move on and give this kid a chance to move on with his life and live on as a regular kid.”

SEE ALSO:

Ralph Yarl’s Mother Files Civil Suit Against White Man Who Shot Teen And The HOA For Alleged Inaction

The Shooting Of Ralph Yarl Renews Attention To The Dangers Of ‘Stand Your Ground’ Laws

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