The case against 86-year-old Andrew Lester, accused of shooting Black teenager Ralph Yarl after the teen mistakenly rang his doorbell in Kansas City, Missouri, will move forward, according to a decision by Clay County Circuit Court Judge David P. Chamberlain.
In September, the judge approved a mental evaluation for Lester, and the completed report was recently entered into the record. Although sealed from public view, this report does not alter the trial’s timeline. The trial is scheduled to begin on February 18, with an additional week reserved starting February 24 if necessary.
Ralph Yarl’s family welcomed the decision to proceed. “This case is about more than accountability—it’s a step toward justice for the trauma Ralph and our family have endured simply because he rang the wrong doorbell,” said Cleo Nagbe, Yarl’s mother, in a statement.
The incident occurred on April 13, 2023, when Yarl, then 16, went to Lester’s home by mistake, confusing Northeast 115th Street with Northeast 115th Terrace while trying to pick up his younger siblings. Lester, a retired aircraft mechanic, allegedly shot Yarl twice—once in the head and once in the arm. Yarl survived, but the attack left him with physical and emotional scars.
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Lester, who has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree assault and armed criminal action, claimed he fired his weapon out of fear. He turned himself in days after the incident, sparking national outrage and protests over perceived disparities in the justice system’s treatment of cases involving race.
The defense has expressed concerns about finding an impartial jury due to the extensive media coverage. Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Viola Davis, Halle Berry, and Kim Kardashian have publicly commented on the case, adding to its visibility.
Prosecutors, however, argue that the facts speak for themselves. Yarl, who sought help from neighbors after the shooting, continues to grapple with the emotional aftermath. “There’s always a part of me that wonders if people can be dangerous,” he said earlier this year.
If convicted, Lester could face life in prison for the assault charge and an additional three to 15 years for armed criminal action. The Yarl family remains steadfast in their pursuit of justice. “We are committed to ensuring no other family suffers this kind of pain because of the color of their skin,” said Nagbe.
