Andrew Lester, the elderly man who admitted to shooting Ralph Yarl, a Black teenager in Kansas City in 2023, has passed away. The announcement of his death was made by the Clay County prosecutor’s office on Wednesday.
The Shooting of Ralph Yarl
Ralph Yarl, aged 16 at the time, accidentally visited Lester’s residence on April 13, 2023, to collect his younger siblings, confused about the location. During the encounter, Lester fired two shots at Yarl, one aimed at his head and the other at his arm. Despite sustaining injuries, Yarl survived the incident and currently attends Texas A&M University as a freshman.
Legal Proceedings
Lester faced charges of first-degree assault and armed criminal action. His initial plea was not guilty, but he later changed it to guilty for second-degree assault. This offense could lead to a maximum of seven years behind bars. The court set his sentencing for March 7.
Lester’s Defense
Steve Salmon, Lester’s lawyer, contended that Lester acted in self-defense, asserting that Lester was frightened by the unfamiliar person at his doorstep.
Yarl’s Testimony
Yarl stated that he pressed the doorbell and paused. When the door was opened, he extended his hand towards the storm door. Andrew Lester then shot him in the head and told him, “Don’t come here ever again,” according to Yarl. After the first shot, Yarl fell, and Lester shot him again in the arm.
Community Impact
The nation was stunned by the shooting incident, reigniting discussions on gun regulations and racial issues in the United States.
Reaction to Lester’s Death
The district attorney’s office extended sympathies to Andrew Lester’s family, recognizing his admission of guilt through his guilty plea. Yarl’s family expressed disappointment that Lester wouldn’t be fully held accountable by the legal system. They highlighted the prolonged period before Andrew Lester admitted guilt, lamenting that justice won’t be served for another Black child affected by prejudice. Lester’s belated confession after two years was too late, causing distress to Yarl’s family.
Lester’s Health
Andrew Lester’s lawyer mentioned that his health was declining, citing heart problems, a fractured hip, and recent hospitalization. Stress had caused Lester to shed 50 pounds, a fact he acknowledged during the Friday hearing, confirming his poor health.
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No Cause of Death Given
The cause of death was not specified in the press release.
Other notable Andrew Lesters
Andrew Lester who recently died is not to be confused with:
Andrew Luster
Andrew Stuart Luster, born on December 15, 1963, is the descendant set to inherit the Max Factor cosmetics wealth. He is the great-grandchild of Max Factor Sr. Convicted in 2003 for various sexual assaults involving the date-rape substance GHB, he was given an initial prison term of 124 years, later reduced to 50 years.
Andrew Lester is presently serving time at Valley State Prison in Chowchilla, California. Civil court judgments in favor of two victims mandated him to pay a combined total of $40 million.
