FILE - Andrew Lester appears in court to answer charges of first-degree assault and armed criminal action, April 19, 2023, in Liberty, Mo. (KMBC via AP, Pool, File)
Andrew Lester has died. The 86-year-old was awaiting sentencing for shooting Ralph Yarl in 2023. He pled guilty to second-degree assault less than a week ago, on February 14. However, he was initially charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action for firing at the teen, who was 16 at the time.
The incident quickly went viral after it happened, given the context of the situation. If you’re just hearing about it, here’s what happened. A Black teen approached the wrong house while attempting to pick up his siblings, and the white older man shot him through a closed door. Yarl survived and is reportedly now a first-year student at Texas A&M University.
Prosecutors revealed Andrew Lester’s death on Wednesday, February 19, per the Associated Press. His attorney passed the news to the prosecutor’s office in Clay County, Missouri, which later released a statement.
“We have learned of the passing of Andrew Lester and extend our sincere condolences to his family during this difficult time. While the legal proceedings have now concluded, we acknowledge that Mr. Lester did take responsibility for his actions by pleading guilty in this case.”
Lester had pled guilty ahead of a trial start. His charge carried a possible sentence of up to seven years behind bars and was set for March 7. At this time, Andrew’s cause of death isn’t known. However, a rep for the Clay County sheriff’s office described his health as “poor” during his plea hearing last week. According to AP, Missouri’s Kansas City police do not plan to investigate the death.
While the prosecutor’s office has extended its condolences, the same can’t be said for Ralph Yarl’s family. After hearing the news of Andrew Lester’s death, they shared a statement.
“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 momentafter two years of stalling. That delay leaves our family reeling,” it said.
