Andrew Lester, the 86-year-old man who pleaded guilty to shooting Ralph Yarl, died just days after entering his plea. Lester, a Kansas City resident, admitted to second-degree assault for shooting Yarl, a Black teenager, who mistakenly rang his doorbell in April 2023. The Clay County Prosecuting Attorney, Zachary Thompson, confirmed Lester's death on Wednesday (February 19) but did not disclose the cause or exact date of death.

Lester was awaiting sentencing, scheduled for March 7, and faced up to seven years in prison.

The shooting incident occurred when Yarl, then 16, went to Lester's home by mistake while trying to pick up his siblings. Lester, who is white, fired shots at Yarl, hitting him in the head and arm. The case attracted national attention and sparked protests, with many calling for hate crime charges, though Thompson stated there was no evidence of racial motivation.

Yarl survived the shooting and is now a freshman at Texas A&M University. His family expressed frustration with the plea deal, stating that it did not fully address the trauma and perceived racial bias involved in the case. They remain committed to seeking justice and ensuring no child faces similar threats due to race.

Lester, a former Air Force mechanic, had no prior criminal history. His attorney had previously cited Lester's declining health, including heart and memory issues, as factors in the case. Despite his death, Yarl's family continues to advocate for broader justice reforms.

Joel Malkin