Noir Nation! In less than a week of accepting a guilty plea deal for the shooting of a young Black teen, Kansas City resident Andrew Lester has passed away while awaiting sentencing!
Clay County Prosecuting Attorney Zachary Thompson announced Lester’s passing this afternoon (February 19), reports ABC News.
“We have learned of the passing of Andrew Lester and extend our sincere condolences to his family during this difficult time,” Thompson said. “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.”
As we previously reported, Lester was initially scheduled to go on trial this week for the April 13th, 2023 shooting of 16-year-old Ralph Yarl after he mistakenly knocked on the door of his home, arriving at the wrong address to pick up his two twin brothers from a play date.
Ralph thankfully survived the shooting but suffered from a traumatic brain injury. Lester was arrested and was later released on a $200,000 bond as he initially pleaded not guilty. He told police that he believed someone was breaking into his home in response to him shooting the teen in his head and arm.
Back in July 2023, Ralph reflected on the tragic shooting in an interview with “Good Morning America” co-anchor Robin Roberts back in July 2023.
“He points [the gun] at me … so I kinda, like, brace and I turn my head,” recalled Ralph. “Then it happened. And then I’m on the ground … and then I fall on the glass. The shattered glass. And then before I know it I’m running away shouting, ‘Help me, help me.'”
Lester faced the possibility of seven years in prison for the Class D felony of second-degree assault, said Thompson during a press conference following Friday’s hearing. However he instead entered a guilty plea.
Sources state that Ralph’s family was not pleased with Lester’s guilty plea deal.
“About two years ago, we knew Mr. Lester was guilty,” said Yarl’s mother Cleo Nagbe on Friday. “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. So let’s just move on and give this kid a chance to move on with his life and live on as a regular kid.”
The 86 year old was expected to be sentenced on Friday March 7th, reports ABC News.
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