KANSAS CITY, Mo. (WDAF) — Andrew Lester, a man who pleaded guilty last week to second-degree assault after he shot Ralph Yarl, an unarmed teenage boy in Kansas City in 2023, has died, according to a Clay County prosecutor.
Lester was 86 years old when he died, but at the time of the shooting, he was 84.
In a news release, the prosecutor 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.”
Lester was awaiting sentencing for the April 2023 incident where he shot then-16-year-old Yarl twice — one time above his left eye and the other in his upper right arm — after the teen showed up at his house thinking it was the correct location to pick up his siblings.
A few days later, Lester turned himself over to the authorities and was charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action.
However, less than a week ago, on Feb. 14, Lester avoided trial by pleading guilty to one felony count of second-degree assault. His plea would have carried a maximum of seven years in prison, but the state was seeking five years.
Shortly after Lester’s death was announced, Yarl’s family issued a public statement. They wrote:
The news of Andrew Lester’s passing brings a mix of emotions, but it does not bring justice. One of the reasons we pushed for a speedy trial was to ensure the public would see that our society does not condone shooting an unarmed, innocent child simply for ringing the wrong doorbell—especially when that child was targeted because of the color of his skin.
For nearly two years, Andrew Lester never apologized. Instead, he and his attorney used every legal maneuver possible to delay accountability. Now, another Black child harmed by prejudice will never see the man who shot him face the full weight of the justice system. While Lester finally admitted guilt, it came at the very last moment—after two years of stalling. That delay leaves our family reeling.
Some may see Lester’s passing as a form of consequence for his actions, but the reality remains: Ralph Yarl survived, yet justice was never truly served. He has a lifetime ahead to carry the trauma of that night while the man responsible escaped sentencing.
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. Ralph’s story is far from over, and neither is our fight for justice.“
— The Family of Ralph Yarl
Lester was set for sentencing on Friday, March 7. The nature of his death has not been released to the public.
