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86-Year-Old Charged in Shooting of Teen
An 86-year-old white man, Andrew Lester, will face trial for shooting Ralph Yarl, a 16-year-old Black teenager, who mistakenly rang his doorbell in Kansas City in April 2023.
Mental Fitness Exam
Initially, Lester’s attorney requested a mental health examination due to concerns about his mental acuity. However, a judge ruled Tuesday that Lester is fit for trial.
Charges and Statement
Lester faces two felony charges: first-degree assault and armed criminal action. Yarl’s family expressed gratitude for the trial proceeding, emphasizing that it’s a step towards justice for the trauma they’ve endured due to racial profiling.
Incident Details
Yarl, a high school student, went to a friend’s house to pick up his brothers and mistakenly rang the wrong doorbell. Lester, who was home, opened the door with a gun and shot Yarl multiple times. Yarl sustained serious injuries but survived.
Conflicting Accounts
Lester claims he believed Yarl was attempting to break into his home and acted in self-defense. However, Yarl maintains that he was not trying to enter the house and that he was shot without provocation.
Controversy and Lawsuits
The case has sparked debate about self-defense laws and the role of race in the incident. Yarl’s family had criticized the police handling of the case and filed a lawsuit against Lester and his homeowners association. The family also raised funds for Yarl’s medical expenses and recovery.