A Missouri judge has decided that Andrew Lester, an 84-year-old white homeowner, will stand trial for shooting Ralph Yarl, a Black teenager who mistakenly went to Lester’s house. The incident occurred on April 13 when Yarl went to the wrong address to pick up his younger brothers. Lester, a retired aircraft mechanic, faces charges of first-degree assault and armed criminal action. Despite pleading not guilty, he will face trial on September 20.
During the preliminary hearing, Yarl testified that he had been sent to pick up his siblings but had lost his phone at school. He mistakenly went to Lester’s house, which was just blocks away from his own. Yarl explained that he rang the bell, and when the door opened, he assumed it was his brother’s friends’ parents. However, Lester told him not to come back and proceeded to shoot Yarl in the head and arm.
Lester’s attorney argued that he acted in self-defense, claiming he was terrified by the stranger knocking on his door as he was settling into bed for the night. The defense emphasized Lester’s age and physical limitations, stating that he was unable to defend himself. However, the prosecution countered that Missouri law does not justify shooting an unarmed teenager through a door.
Yarl, who suffered a traumatic brain injury from the incident, continues to heal but was able to complete an engineering internship over the summer and has started his senior year of high school. He plans to major in engineering after graduation. The incident sparked national debates about gun policies and race in America.
It is important to note that Missouri is one of approximately 30 states with “stand your ground” laws, which allow individuals to use physical force when they feel threatened. Lester’s defense intends to argue that he acted in self-defense. Support for Yarl and his family has been significant, with a GoFundMe campaign raising nearly $3.5 million on their behalf.
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