Andrew Lester dies while awaiting sentencing for 2023 shooting of KC teen, Ralph Yarl
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - On Wednesday, the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office announced the ing of a man recently convicted of second-degree assault.
According to a statement from the prosecutor’s office, 86-year-old Andrew Lester pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree assault on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on April 13, 2023, when the Kansas City Police Department found then-16-year-old Ralph Yarl at Lester’s address with two gunshot wounds, one to his arm and one to his head.
Through the course of an investigation, it was found that Yarl had been at the home because he believed it belonged to the friends of his younger twin brothers. The correct address was actually a block over.
Lester, who was 84 at the time, shot Yarl through the door but told 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.
“This case centers on the reasonableness of actions taken, not the right to self-defense,” Thompson said. “While we 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.”
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The prosecutor’s office relayed to KCTV5 that it did not know the cause of death, but did add that Lester was not in custody when he died.
A news release issued by the prosecutor’s office reads as follows:
“We have learned of the ing of Andrew Lester and extend our 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. Our thoughts remain with both families affected by this tragic incident as they continue their healing process.”
Lester was previously scheduled to appear for his sentencing hearing on March 7, 2025. His conviction carried a sentence of 1-7 years in prison and a possible $10,000 fine.
Yarl family reacts
In response to his death, the family of Ralph Yarl issued the following statement:
“The news of Andrew Lester’s ing brings a mix of emotions, but it does not bring justice. One of the reasons we pushed for a speedy trial was to ensure the public would see that our society does not condone shooting an unarmed, innocent child simply for ringing the wrong doorbell—especially when that child was targeted because of the color of his skin. For nearly two years, Andrew Lester never apologized. Instead, he and his attorney used every legal maneuver possible to delay ability. 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 itted guilt, it came at the very last moment—after two years of stalling. That delay leaves our family reeling.
Some may see Lester’s ing as a form of consequence for his actions, but the reality remains: Ralph Yarl survived, yet justice was never truly served. He has a lifetime ahead to carry the trauma of that night while the man responsible escaped sentencing. We remain committed to seeking a world where no child fears for their life because of their race and no family has to endure what we have. Ralph’s story is far from over, and neither is our fight for justice.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: This is a breaking news story, more information will be released as it becomes available.
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