Family of Ralph Yarl Dissatisfied with Court Ruling in Shooting Case

Ralph Yarl

By: Adonis Armstrong

The Courier-Tribune published an updated article on June 6th, highlighting the dissatisfaction of Ralph Yarl's family with the court's ruling concerning the attacker of the young boy. In April, the 16-year-old Ralph was tragically shot in the head by a white homeowner in Kansas City, Missouri, who confused him for an intruder when he went to the wrong address to pick up his younger brothers from a sleepover.

Lester told investigators that he shot Yarl because he was “scared to death” and thought he was attempting to break into his house," explained Yarl's family attorney. However, Yarl, his family, and their attorney strongly refute these claims, stressing their disagreement with Lester's version of events.

Fortunately, Yarl managed to survive the incident, attracting nationwide interest to his case. Judge Louis Angles recently scheduled a two-day preliminary hearing for Andrew D. Lester, the elderly white man charged with shooting the high school junior twice. Accompanied by his attorney Steve Salmon, Lester made a brief appearance during which community members gathered outside the courtroom, showing their support for the teen by wearing shirts that bore slogans like "Ringing a Doorbell Is Not a Crime" and "Justice for Ralph."

Many supporters and relatives of Yarl, including individuals from the Liberian Community Organization of Kansas-Missouri, attended a court date in Clay County on June 1, donning shirts that called for justice for the 16-year-old shooting victim Ralph Yarl. The shirts bore the messages, "Ringing a Doorbell Is Not a Crime" and "Justice for Ralph." (Amanda Lubinski/Courier-Tribune)

Paul is urging prosecuting attorney Zach Thompson to improve communication with Ralph's family regarding the progress of the case, expressing a desire for more transparency. Additionally, Ralph's father expressed disagreement with the court's decision to seal Lester's documents, questioning the need for secrecy if the accused is innocent. The incident occurred when Ralph, intending to pick up his brothers from the 1100 block of Northeast 115th Terrace, mistakenly went to the 1100 block of Northeast 115th Street on the day of the shooting.

After the Clay County Circuit Court ruling, Ralph's father, Paul Yarl, shared, “He still gets headaches and pains and some emotional scars, but he's coming along. He's not there yet, but we are thankful for the progress." Paul added that his son is eagerly anticipating the day when he can resume normal activities, including starting his senior year. "He's been doing some schoolwork. His teachers have been keeping him engaged, so, yeah, he looks forward to getting back to school."

We hope Ralph Yarl continues to recover and gets justice he and his family deserves so he can get back to living his life to the fullest.

---

YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:

SHARE TO SOCIAL MEDIA

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.

---

YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:

SHARE TO SOCIAL MEDIA