- Andrew Lester, 86, pleaded guilty to shooting Ralph Yarl in 2023 and faced up to seven years in prison. He died weeks before his sentencing.
- Yarl mistakenly rang Lester’s doorbell while on his way to pick up his siblings. Lester shot him twice, causing life-threatening injuries.
- Lester’s claimed self-defense, but civil rights advocates and Yarl’s family pushed for a hate crime charge, arguing the shooting was racially motivated.
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An 86-year-old man pleaded guilty to shooting a Black teen in 2023 and was facing up to seven years in a Missouri prison. Just weeks before his sentencing, prosecutors announced on Wednesday, Fed. 19 that Andrew Lester died.
Prosecution reacts to passing, case explained
In a statement, the prosecutor’s office said, “We have learned of the passing of Andrew Lester and extend our sincere condolences to his family during this difficult time.”
Though the legal proceedings are now over, they added that Lester took responsibility by pleading guilty.
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Ralph Yarl, who was 16 at the time, rang the doorbell at Lester’s Kansas City home. Yarl was on his way to pick up his siblings but got the address wrong, ending up at Lester’s home by mistake. Lester shot Yarl twice through the door, striking the teen with two bullets that caused life-threatening injuries. Yarl survived and was released from the hospital three days later.
Lester’s attorney said he was acting in self-defense because he was scared when a stranger rang the doorbell. Once in custody, Lester also told police he was fearful because he seen a tall, Black man at his door. In a probable cause statement, it states Lester had the gun in his hand before he opened the door. A year after the shooting, Yarl testified and told police before Lester shot him a second time, he told him, “Don’t come here ever again.”
To avoid a jury trial, Lester changed his not guilty plea on Feb. 14 and accepted two felony charges: assault and armed criminal action. Prosecutors said Lester admitted to shooting Yarl and causing his injuries.
Yarl’s family reacts to Lester’s death
Yarl’s family reacted to Lester’s death, in a statement they said it does not bring justice and cements none will ever be served.
“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,” the family said.
Yarl’s case drew national attention, sparking debates over racism and gun policies. Civil rights lawyers and Yarl’s family urged prosecutors to add a hate crime charge, arguing the shooting happened solely because Yarl was Black. They also criticized Missouri police for mishandling the case, including releasing Lester from jail after the shooting.
Lester’s attorney confirms death, points to health issues
Lester’s attorney confirmed his passing, stating he died on Feb. 19, 2025, after a lengthy battle with severe health issues, though he did not disclose the cause of death. In a statement he said Lester only entered a plea agreement because of his deteriorating physical health.
“The issue at the heart of the criminal case was the reasonableness of Dan’s actions when confronted at his front storm door by a stranger who was attempting to gain entrance into his home,” Lester’s attorney said in a statement.
The prosecution was seeking a prison term of at least 5 years. Lester was scheduled to be sentenced on March 7.
