Andrew Lester, the 86-year-old Kansas City man who pleaded guilty to shooting Black teenager Ralph Yarl, has died while awaiting sentencing, Clay County Prosecuting Attorney Zachary Thompson announced Wednesday.
“We have learned of the passing of Andrew Lester and extend our sincere condolences to his family during this difficult time,” Thompson said in a statement. “While the legal proceedings have now concluded, we acknowledge that Mr. Lester did take responsibility for his actions by pleading guilty in this case. Our thoughts remain with both families affected by this tragic incident as they continue their healing process.”
Lester was set to be sentenced on March 7 after pleading guilty last Friday to second-degree felony assault. He originally faced more serious charges, including first-degree assault and armed criminal action, in connection to the April 2023 shooting of Yarl, who mistakenly knocked on Lester’s door while trying to pick up his younger brothers.
Yarl, who was 16 at the time, suffered a traumatic brain injury after Lester shot him in the head and arm. Lester, who is white, claimed he believed someone was trying to break into his home. He was initially released on a $200,000 bond after pleading not guilty in 2023.
Yarl’s family responded to Lester’s passing, saying in a statement, “Justice was never truly served. The news of Andrew Lester’s passing brings a mix of emotions, but it does not bring justice. We remain committed to seeking a world where no child fears for their life because of their race, and no family has to endure what we have.”
The plea deal had already drawn criticism from Yarl’s family, who previously expressed frustration with the case’s outcome. “About two years ago, we knew Mr. Lester was guilty,” Yarl’s mother, Cleo Nagbe, told ABC News Live last week. “We let him do what he wanted to do and waited two years after for him to show up and say, ‘I’m going to plead guilty to the lesser of the charges.’ So we’re sick of this. Let’s just move on and give this kid a chance to live on as a regular kid.”
Lester’s attorney had previously cited the retired air mechanic’s declining health, including memory loss, a broken hip, heart issues, and significant weight loss. In November, a judge ruled that he was still fit to stand trial after reviewing a mental evaluation.
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