Judge Rules Trial of Andrew Lester in Ralph Yarl Shooting Will Proceed in February

The 86-year-old defendant, accused of shooting a Black teenager who rang the wrong doorbell, underwent a mental health evaluation but was deemed fit to stand trial.

Andrew Lester, 86, is charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action for the April 2023 shooting of Ralph Yarl, a Black teenager who mistakenly went to Lester's home in Kansas City, Missouri.
The shooting occurred after Yarl rang Lester's doorbell while trying to pick up his siblings; Lester allegedly opened fire without exchanging words, striking Yarl in the head and arm.
Lester's defense requested a mental health evaluation citing his age, memory issues, and frail health; the results, filed under seal, have not delayed the trial set for February 18, 2025.
The case has drawn national attention and raised questions about racial bias, as Yarl's family and supporters call for justice and accountability.
If convicted, Lester faces a maximum sentence of life in prison for the assault charge and 3 to 15 years for armed criminal action.