An 86-year-old man in Kansas City, Missouri, has pleaded guilty to second-degree assault in the shooting of Ralph Yarl, a 16-year-old who mistakenly rang his doorbell. Andrew Lester entered the plea on February 15, 2025, as part of a deal ahead of his trial set for next week.
- 86-year-old man pleads guilty to assault
- Ralph Yarl shot for ringing wrong doorbell
- Case highlights racial justice concerns
- Protests sparked over stand your ground laws
- Lester faces up to seven years in prison
- Shooting part of broader gun violence issue
The incident took place on April 13, 2023, when Ralph Yarl mistakenly arrived at Lester’s home while trying to pick up his siblings. He confused similar street names and rang the doorbell without crossing into Lester’s property. Prosecutors stated that Lester shot Yarl twice—once in the forehead and once in the arm—without any prior interaction.
This case became emblematic of broader discussions regarding gun violence and racial justice in the united states. It was one of several incidents where unarmed individuals were shot due to minor mistakes. Protests erupted following initial police actions where Lester was released without charges after questioning.
- Ralph Yarl is Black; Andrew Lester is white.
- Lester claimed self-defense, believing Yarl was attempting a break-in.
- The protests attracted support from various celebrities advocating for racial justice.
Lester initially faced life imprisonment if convicted at trial but agreed to plead guilty to a lesser charge under a plea deal. His sentencing is scheduled for March 7, where he could face up to seven years behind bars. The family of Ralph Yarl expressed hope that the sentence would reflect the seriousness of the crime committed against him.
This case underscores significant issues surrounding gun violence and race relations within America. As communities continue to grapple with these challenges, outcomes like this plea agreement may influence future legal interpretations related to self-defense claims involving firearms.
