Kansas City Teen Shot by White Homeowner While Retrieving Younger Siblings Recovering, But Family Seeks Justice

A 16-year-old Black teen from Kansas City, Missouri, is recovering after being shot by a White homeowner last week.

Ralph Yarl was shot twice, once in the head and once in the arm, after he went to the wrong door while trying to pick up his younger siblings. His mother, Cleo Nagbe, said in an interview with CBS Mornings that her son is “doing considerably well” physically, but is still dealing with emotional trauma.

“He’s able to communicate mostly when he feels like it,” Nagbe said.

The shooting of Yarl has made national headlines, and his aunt, Faith Spoonmore, set up a GoFundMe to help with medical expenses. Spoonmore said Yarl was “scared and confused” when he was shot.

Police have said that the homeowner fired at Yarl through a glass door. The homeowner has not been identified and no charges have been filed.

Yarl’s family is grateful that he is recovering, but they are still concerned about the lack of justice in the case.

“We’re just hoping that justice is served,” Spoonmore said. “We’re hoping that the shooter is held accountable for his actions.”