America Rallies Behind Ralph Yarl With GoFundMe Surpassing $3 Million After Traumatic Shooting
Ralph Yarl
Photo: GoFundMe
By: Omar Cook
Last Thursday, a 16 year old Black teenager, Ralph Yarl, was shot twice by an 84 year-old white male, Andrew Lester, after knocking on his door by accident. The incident happened in Kansas City, Missouri, as Yarl was looking to pick up his younger siblings but went to the wrong address.
Ralph was instructed by his mother to go and get his two brothers but simply went to an address that was similar to the one his mother gave him. Felony charges have been filed by Kansas City authorities against Lester as he faces assault in the first degree and armed criminal action. This was a decision that was first revealed by Prosecutor Zack Thompson.
“After a thorough review of the case file, the appropriate laws, and information gained during the investigation phase of the case, I filed two felony counts,” Thompson said. “We understand how frustrating this has been, but I can assure the criminal justice system is working and will continue to work.”
On Monday, April 17, a GoFundMe was launched by Ralph Yarl’s aunt, Faith Spoonmore, to support her nephew’s recovery. The GoFundMe has already received an outpouring of support bringing in over $3 million so far.
Spoonmore wrote, “Even though he is doing well physically, he has a long road ahead mentally and emotionally. The trauma that he has to endure and survive is unimaginable … He is our miracle. We have heard these types of stories many times, and unfortunately, most black boys are not alive to get another chance.”
Relatives describes Ralph as a quiet and gentle person who truly loves the art of music. Ralph is an accomplished musician as he recently earned Missouri All-State Band recognition. He also plays multiple instruments in the metropolitan youth orchestra.
Lester eventually turned himself into police on Tuesday, April 18. Lester posted a $200,000 bond and released from the Clay County Detention Center hours later. CNN reveleaed a probable cause document where Lester claimed he was “scared to death” and also “believed someone was attempting to break into the house” which says his defense will most likely try to prove that he was in danger.
On Tuesday as well, Ralph’s classmates at Stalley High School organized a school wide walkout to pay their respects. This was a strong gesture as Ralph will need all the support and love he can get.
Students at Staley High School in Kansas City, Missouri, walked out of class on Tuesday to march for Ralph Yarl, their Black classmate who was shot twice on Thursday by an 84-year-old white man after going to the wrong address to pick up his brothers.https://t.co/JSMRtJbEVF pic.twitter.com/3yYAswArV6
— The New York Times (@nytimes) April 18, 2023
This has been an unfortunate and saddening event as no teenager should have to face a traumatic experience just because they went to the wrong house. More updates coming soon.
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