86-year-old Andrew Lester of Kansas City, Missouri, died just days after pleading guilty to lesser charges in the 2023 shooting of a black teen who rang his doorbell.
According to AP, Lester’s lawyer called the court to inform them of his death. The cause of death was not released.
“We have learned of the passing of Andrew Lester and extend our sincere condolences to his family during this difficult time,” the prosecutor’s office said in a news release, according to AP. “While the legal proceedings have now concluded, we acknowledge that Mr. Lester did take responsibility for his actions by pleading guilty in this case.”
In April 2023, Clay County prosecutor Zachary Thompson charged Andrew Lester with two felonies for shooting 16-year-old Ralph Yarl.
The charges were later reduced to second-degree assault which carries a maximum 7-year prison sentence.
Andrew Lester, 85. Warrant out for felony assault & felony armed criminal action. Told Yarl “don’t come around here,” per charging document. @fox4kc pic.twitter.com/Tg7ZIfBeoL
— Russell Colburn (@russell_colburn) April 17, 2023
According to police, Andrew Lester, a white Kansas City, Missouri, homeowner shot a black teen last after the 16-year-old rang the doorbell to the wrong home.
Ralph Paul Yarl was shot in the head by Lester after the teen rang the wrong doorbell while picking up his siblings, according to lawyers.
Ralph Paul Yarl survived and is currently a freshman at Texas A&M.
Prosecutor Zachary Thompson claimed, without providing any details, that there was a ‘racial component’ to the shooting.
“A small sign right above the doorbell Yarl rang reads, “No Solicitors,” and another sign by the side fence states: “This property is protected by surveillance cameras.”” The New York Post reported.
Thompson said no words were exchanged before Lester shot Ralph Yarl in the head and in the arm.
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