Andrew Lester, the Missouri man who shot an unarmed Black teenager after he mistakenly knocked on the wrong door, has died, just days after pleading guilty to assault.
Clay County prosecutor Zachary Thompson confirmed Lester’s passing on Wednesday, February 19, and offered condolences to his family. He noted that while the legal case is now closed, Lester did take responsibility for his actions by admitting guilt.
Lester, 86, was expected to be sentenced on March 7 after entering his guilty plea on February 14. At the time of his death, he was not in custody. If he hadn’t pleaded guilty, he would have gone to trial on February 18.
The case made national headlines after 16-year-old Ralph Yarl was shot twice on April 13, 2023. The teen had gone to pick up his younger brothers but accidentally arrived at the wrong house. Instead of going to N.E. 115th Terrace, he rang the doorbell of a home on N.E. 115th Street. When Lester opened the door, he fired through the glass of the storm door, hitting Ralph in the head and arm.
Despite his injuries, Ralph managed to run for help. But according to a GoFundMe page set up for him, it took knocking on three different homes before someone finally stepped in. One person even told him to lie on the ground with his hands up.
Lester was initially charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action. In 2023, he pleaded not guilty and was released on a $200,000 bond. But last week, he changed his plea, admitting to second-degree assault. Prosecutors had asked for a five-year sentence.
Following his death, Ralph’s family released a statement saying that while Lester’s passing brings mixed emotions, it does not bring justice. They pointed out that he never apologized and spent nearly two years delaying the case. By the time he finally admitted guilt, it was at the last possible moment.
“Some may see Lester’s passing as a consequence, but justice was never truly served,” the statement read. “Ralph will carry the trauma of that night for the rest of his life, while the man responsible never faced full accountability.”
His family remains committed to fighting for justice, not just for Ralph but for all children who fear for their safety simply because of their race.
