Key takeaways:
- Andrew Lester, a retired aircraft mechanic, is charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action in the April 13 shooting in Kansas City.
- The incident occurred when a Black teenager, Ralph Yarl, mistakenly went to Lester’s house and rang the doorbell.
- The shooting has sparked national debates about gun policies and race in America, and Lester has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
A Missouri judge ruled Thursday that an 84-year-old White homeowner must stand trial for shooting a Black teenager who mistakenly went to his house.
Andrew Lester, a retired aircraft mechanic, is charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action in the April 13 shooting in Kansas City. The victim, Ralph Yarl, a high school student, testified Thursday at the preliminary hearing that led to the judge sending the case forward to trial.
The incident occurred when Yarl went to pick up his siblings from a friend’s house on 115th Terrace but went to 115th Street by mistake. Yarl rang the doorbell of Lester’s house and was shot shortly after. Lester’s aunt said the teen was at the wrong address.
The shooting has sparked national debates about gun policies and race in America. Following the ruling by Clay County Judge Louis Angles, prosecutor Zachary Thompson declined to answer reporters’ questions about trial strategy.
Lester has pleaded not guilty to the charges and his arraignment is set for September 20. It is unclear what the outcome of the trial will be, but the case has been met with shock and outrage across the country.
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