Andrew Lester, the 86-year-old white man who admitted to shooting Black teenager Ralph Yarl after the teen mistakenly knocked on his door, has passed away while awaiting his sentencing. According to ABC News, Lester recently took a plea deal for felony assault in the second degree but never lived to hear his fate in court.
The Clay County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed his passing in a statement, saying:
“We have learned of the passing of Andrew Lester and extend our sincere condolences to his family during this difficult time. 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.”
Andrew Lester’s Guilty Plea and the Case That Shocked the Nation
Lester’s trial was set to begin this week, but on Friday, he pleaded guilty to felony assault in the second degree. The charge, a Class D felony, carried a possible sentence of up to seven years in prison. He was scheduled to receive his sentencing on March 7, 2025.
The case gained national attention after Yarl, then 16, was shot in the head and arm on April 13, 2023. He had mistakenly gone to Lester’s home in Kansas City, Missouri, to pick up his twin brothers from a friend’s house. Lester, claiming he thought someone was breaking in, fired at Yarl through his front door.
Initially, Lester was charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action. He pleaded not guilty in 2023 and was released on a $200,000 bond before later agreeing to the plea deal.
The Aftermath: What Happens Now That Lester Is Gone?
With Lester’s passing, legal proceedings officially come to a close. While he admitted guilt in the shooting, his death means there will be no sentencing, leaving Yarl and his family without the closure of seeing him serve time.
Ralph Yarl’s family has remained outspoken about the injustice of the situation. Following the shooting, Yarl suffered a traumatic brain injury but miraculously survived. His story became a rallying point for conversations about racial bias, gun violence, and self-defense laws in America.
Yarl’s legal team has not yet commented on Lester’s passing, but the teen has been focused on recovery, healing, and advocating for change.
