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 Febraury 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.
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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 elderly man shot him through a closed door. Yarl survived, and is reportedly now a freshman student at Texas A&M University.
More Details About Andrew Lester’s Death
Prosecutors revealed Andrew Lester’s death on Wednesday, Febraury 19, per the Associated Press. His attorney passed on 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 desribed his health as “poor” during his plea hearing last week. According to AP, Missouri’s Kansas City police does not plan to investigate the death, which could indicate natural causes.
Ralph Yarl’s Family Reacts To The Death
While the prosecutors’ office has extended its condolences, the same can’t be said for Ralph Yarl’s family. After 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 moment—after two years of stalling. That delay leaves our family reeling,” it said.
RELATED: Shattering His Silence: Ralph Yarl Speaks Out After Being Shot, Says Andrew Lester “Should Be Convicted”‘
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