Andrew Lester, the 86-year-old man who shot Black teenager Ralph Yarl in 2023, has passed away just days after pleading guilty to the shooting. His cause of death has not been disclosed.
The incident happened when Yarl, then 16 years old, mistakenly knocked on Lester’s door in Missouri while trying to pick up his younger brothers from a nearby house. Lester, a retired aircraft mechanic, opened fire, shooting Yarl in the head and arm. The case gained national attention, sparking protests and discussions about racial bias in America.
Lester was originally charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action. His trial was set for October, but it was delayed after a judge ordered a mental health evaluation. On February 16, 2025, he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of second-degree assault. Prosecutors had recommended a five-year sentence, and he was scheduled to be sentenced on March 7, 2025. However, he passed away before serving any time.
Prosecutors acknowledged that Lester took responsibility for his actions by pleading guilty. In a statement, they expressed their condolences to his family but also reaffirmed their support for Yarl and his loved ones.
The teenager, a talented musician who played in the Northland Symphony Youth Orchestra, survived the attack but required extensive medical treatment. Doctors described his recovery as a miracle. The case fueled national outrage, especially since it happened within a week of three other shootings involving innocent teenagers.
According to reports, Yarl arrived at Lester’s home around 10 PM, believing it was the right address. After ringing the doorbell, Lester shot him in the head. As Yarl lay on the ground, Lester fired again, hitting him in the arm. The teenager later told police that Lester shouted, “Don’t come around here.”
Lester had signs on his property warning against solicitors and stating that his home was under surveillance. Many people questioned why he was not charged with attempted murder. The Clay County prosecutor, Zachary Thompson, previously stated that race was a factor in the case.
Following the shooting, celebrities like Viola Davis, Jennifer Hudson, and Halle Berry called for justice for Yarl. Hundreds of protesters gathered outside Lester’s home, demanding accountability. More than $1.7 million was raised through donations to help cover Yarl’s medical expenses.
Yarl’s family expressed disappointment that Lester passed away before facing justice. They had hoped for a swift trial to send a clear message that shooting an innocent child for ringing the wrong doorbell is unacceptable—especially when racial bias is involved.
