The suspect, Andrew Lester, reported to the police that he lives alone and had just gone to bed around 10 pm when he heard the doorbell.
Kansas City teen shot ( Photo: WFAA )
85-year-old man charged with shooting 16-year-old who went to the wrong house
An 85-year-old man has been charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action for shooting 16-year-old Ralph Yarl after the teen mistakenly went to the wrong house in Kansas City, according to Clay County Prosecutor Zachary Thompson. He said he picked up his gun and went to the door, where he saw Ralph pulling on his door handle.
Lester reported that he thought someone was breaking into his house. The probable cause statement says that no words were exchanged between Lester and Ralph Yarl before the shooting. A warrant has been issued for Lester’s arrest, and his bond has been set at $200,000.
The shooting happened on April 13, and the police responded to reports of a shooting that evening. Upon arriving at the scene, they found Ralph, who had been shot by the homeowner. Ralph has been released from the hospital, according to his father. The victim’s aunt described him as an honor roll student who plans to study chemical engineering at Texas A&M after he graduates from high school. He’s also a talented musician who plays in his school’s jazz and marching bands.
Ralph Yarl went to three different homes seeking help and was forced to lie on the ground with his hands on his head before a neighbor agreed to assist him, according to a GoFundMe for the boy. In the description of a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for Yarl, his aunt explained that he mistakenly went to the wrong house, one block away from the house where his siblings were. The shooting happened on 115th Terrace, but Yarl’s siblings were at a house on 115th Street.
The family lives in the same neighborhood on Kansas City’s North Side
Missouri Democratic Representative Emmanuel Clever has taken to Twitter to call for justice. “I’m thankful Ralph Yarl is alive and healing—but no child should be shot for ringing the wrong doorbell,” he wrote. ”
As we pray for Mr. Yarl and his family during this time, it’s important that law enforcement conduct a swift, thorough, & comprehensive investigation.” The Clay County prosecuting attorney assured the public that the system is working and that they will approach the case in an objective and impartial manner.
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