An octogenarian named Andrew Lester has been charged with shooting Ralph Yarl, sparking widespread protests and a plethora of discussions on platforms like Reddit.
On April 13, Yarl was allegedly shot by Lester, who has since been charged with two felony counts: one count of first-degree felony assault and one count of armed criminal action.
According to Yarl’s family, the teenager mistakenly arrived at Lester’s residence while picking up his younger siblings.
Instead of visiting an address on 115th Terrace, Yarl ended up at a residence on 115th Street, where he was shot after ringing the doorbell.
Andrew Lester
The incident has triggered public outrage, with demonstrators gathering outside Lester’s home, chanting “Black lives matter” and holding signs that read, “Ringing a doorbell is not a crime.”
Case has attracted attention on Reddit, where users discuss the racial implications and demand justice for Yarl.
Public records reveal that Andrew Lester holds a hunting license in Missouri and previously lived in Texas, California, Arizona, and Virginia.
He worked as a technician for American West Airlines, according to property records connecting him to the shooting address.
Clay County prosecuting attorney Zachary Thompson and Kansas Police Chief Stacey Graves have both acknowledged the “racial component” in the case.
Attorneys representing the Yarl family have emphasized the significance of these racial dynamics, questioning whether the public response would be different if the roles were reversed.
NEW: Clay County prosecutor announces he’s filed two felony counts against Andrew Lester in the shooting of 16-year-old Ralph Yarl
Assault in the first degree
Armed criminal actionA warrant has been issued for Lester’s arrest pic.twitter.com/3Mjhtt1Zqq
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) April 17, 2023
Although Andrew Lester was initially detained by police for 24 hours, he was released pending further investigation.
At the time of his release, authorities had not yet obtained a formal victim statement from Yarl, who was in the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Officials have since reported that the teenager’s condition has stabilized.
As discussions surrounding the Andrew Lester case continue on Reddit and beyond, the public remains focused on seeking justice for Ralph Yarl and addressing the racial implications that underlie this tragic incident.
Facts about Andrew Lester
- On April 13, 2023, 16-year-old Ralph Yarl rang the doorbell of the wrong house in Kansas City, Missouri, while attempting to pick up his siblings.
- Homeowner Andrew Lester, 84, allegedly shot Yarl in the head with a .32 revolver through a glass door.
- Clay County prosecutor Zachary Thompson filed two felony counts against Lester on April 17, 2023, for first-degree assault and armed criminal action.
- A warrant was issued for Lester’s arrest, but he is not currently in custody.
- Lester faces up to life in prison for the first charge alone, with a bond set at $200,000.
- Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves stated that Lester was taken into custody but released within 24 hours due to the need for further investigation.
- Yarl is currently recovering at home, with a GoFundMe page established to help him and his family.
- The prosecutor acknowledged a racial component in the case, as Lester is accused of telling Yarl, “don’t come around here.”
- Protests erupted outside Lester’s home, with celebrities and civil rights lawyers demanding justice for Yarl.
- Ralph Yarl is described as a “fantastic kid” and an accomplished musician with big dreams for the future.
