An 84-year-old white man who shot a Black teen that approached the wrong house in Kansas City, Missouri, while trying to pick up his siblings has been charged with first-degree assault. Prosecuting Attorney Zachary Thompson said at a news conference that there was a “racial component” to the incident in which Andrew Lester twice shot 16-year-old Ralph Yarl, who is recovering at home after being released from the hospital on Sunday. But nothing in the charging documents says the shooting was racially motivated, Thompson clarified. The shooting outraged many in Kansas City and across the country. The assault charge carries a penalty of up to life in prison.
An 84-year-old white man who shot a Black teen that approached the wrong house in Kansas City, Missouri, while trying to pick up his siblings was charged Monday with first-degree assault.
Prosecuting Attorney Zachary Thompson said at a news conference that there was a “racial component” to the incident last Thursday night in which Andrew Lester twice shot 16-year-old Ralph Yarl, who is recovering at home after being released Sunday from the hospital. But nothing in the charging documents says the shooting was racially motivated, Thompson clarified.
“We understand how frustrating this has been but I can assure you the criminal justice system is working and will continue to work,” Thompson said at a news conference.
The shooting outraged many in Kansas City and across the country. Civic and political leaders — including President Joe Biden demanded justice. Some, including lawyers for Yarl, pressed the racial dimension of the case.
Rev. Vernon Howard, president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Greater Kansas City, called the shooting a “heinous and hate-filled crime.” Vice President Kamala Harris wrote on Twitter that “No child should ever live in fear of being shot for ringing the wrong doorbell.” The Missouri Senate held a moment of silence for Yarl on Monday.
