An 86-year-old man in Kansas City, Missouri, is facing trial for a shocking incident where he shot a Black teenager who simply knocked on the wrong door. The case has drawn national attention, and a judge recently confirmed that the trial will move forward as planned.
Andrew Lester, a retired aircraft mechanic, is accused of shooting 16-year-old Ralph Yarl on April 13, 2023. Ralph had mistakenly gone to Lester’s house after confusing two similar street names while trying to pick up his younger brothers. It was late in the evening, just before 10 p.m., when Ralph rang the doorbell. Instead of offering help, Lester allegedly opened fire, hitting Ralph in the head and arm. Miraculously, Ralph survived and has since been recovering, though the scars—both physical and emotional—remain.
After being shot, Ralph stumbled to nearby homes, seeking help, until someone finally called for assistance. Meanwhile, Lester reportedly told police he fired because he felt scared. He turned himself in days later, following public outrage and calls for justice. Lester has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree assault and armed criminal action. If convicted, he could face life in prison for the assault charge and up to 15 years for the other.
The trial is set to begin on February 18, with a possible second week starting February 24 if needed. A recent mental evaluation for Lester, ordered by the court, has been completed but remains private. Despite this, the trial schedule hasn’t been affected.
Ralph’s mother, Cleo Nagbe, expressed relief that the case is moving forward. “This isn’t just about accountability,” she said. “It’s about justice for what Ralph and our family have endured—just because he rang the wrong doorbell.”
The defense team for Lester has raised concerns about the widespread media coverage of the case, arguing that it could influence potential jurors. High-profile celebrities like Viola Davis, Kim Kardashian, and Halle Berry have spoken out about the incident, further amplifying its visibility. Last year, a judge acknowledged that the case’s publicity could make finding an unbiased jury challenging, especially with questions of racial bias hanging over the shooting.
For Ralph, the experience has been deeply traumatic. “Part of me always wonders if someone else out there could be dangerous,” he admitted in an earlier interview. His family, however, remains steadfast in their fight for justice. “We want to ensure no other family has to go through such pain simply because of the color of their skin,” his mother said.
This case has become a powerful symbol of the push for justice and accountability, especially in instances where race may play a role. For now, all eyes are on the February trial as Ralph and his family continue to seek closure and justice.