Andrew Lester dead: Kansas City man who pled guilty to shooting unarmed black teen knocking on wrong door dies awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to second degree assault.
A Kansas City man who pleaded guilty to last week to shooting and critically injuring an unarmed black teenager after the boy came knocking on his door has passed away while awaiting sentencing.
Andrew Lester, 86, was initially charged with first degree assault and armed criminal action in the April 2023 shooting of 16-year-old boy, Ralph Yarl, who was shot twice through a glass door. Yarl, who was critically injured with gunshot wounds to the head and arm, survived.
Yarl had gone to Lester’s home after mistakenly believing it to be the home that belonged to the friends of his younger twin brothers. The correct address was actually a block over.
Reasonableness of actions taken
Lester, who was 84 at the time, shot Yarl through the door, telling police, ‘It was the last thing he wanted to do, but was ‘scared to death’ due to the male’s size and Lester’s age (84) and inability to defend himself.’
In response to Lester’s conviction, Clay County Prosecuting Attorney Zach Thompson said the right to self-defense was not applicable under the circumstances, KCTV5 reported.
‘This case centers on the reasonableness of actions taken, not the right to self-defense,’ Thompson said. ‘While we support homeowners’ right to protect themselves, shooting an unarmed teenager through a locked door exceeds reasonable bounds. Ralph made an innocent mistake, and the consequences – being shot twice – far exceeded any reasonable response.’
Last week, Lester plead guilty to reduced charges of second degree assault, which had carried a maximum seven year sentence, WDAF reported. Prosecutors said they would only seek five years at his sentencing next month.
‘While the legal proceedings have now concluded, we acknowledge that Mr. Lester did take responsibility for his actions by pleading guilty in this case,’ Clay County prosecutors said in a statement. ‘Our thoughts remain with both families affected by this tragic incident as they continue their healing process.’
Where’s the justice for Ralph Yarl?
Yarl’s family in a circumspect statement said, that Lester’s death ‘brings a mix of emotions, but it does not bring justice.’
‘For nearly two years, Andrew Lester never apologized,’ the family stateyment said.
‘Instead, he and his attorney used every legal maneuver possible to delay accountability. Now, another Black child harmed by prejudice will never see the man who shot him face the full weight of the justice system. While Lester finally admitted guilt, it came at the very last moment—after two years of stalling. That delay leaves our family reeling.’
Prosecutors did not reveal how Lester died amid speculation the 85 year old may have taken his own life. Lester was not in custody when he died.
