By Amanda Lubinski
ALubinski@cherryroad.com

CLAY COUNTY — Andrew Lester, 86, who pleaded guilty this month to second-degree assault after he shot an unarmed teen, Ralph Yarl, nearly two years ago, has died.

“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,” shared the Clay County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office while announcing Lester’s death Feb. 19.

Lester was originally charged following the 2023 shooting with felony armed criminal action and felony first-degree assault after Yarl was shot twice, once in the forehead and once in the arm. Lester pleaded not guilty to those charges.

Under the plea deal, Lester, who looked frail in court and was being pushed in a wheelchair in his last court appearance Feb. 14, pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of felony second-degree assault. He faced up to seven years in prison and/or up to a $10,000 fine. Sentencing was scheduled for March 7. The prosecution planned to request a five-year sentence.

Yarl was shot after going to Lester’s house on Northeast 115th Street in Kansas City by mistake around 10 p.m. April 13, 2023 to pick up his younger siblings from a play date. Yarl was supposed to have gone to a house about a block away on Northeast 115th Terrace.

In his 911 call to police, Lester admitted to shooting Yarl, telling the dispatcher he was alone in the house and saw a 6-foot-tall Black man at the door. Lester is heard on the call saying someone rang, “my damn doorbell and he wanted in my house and I shot him.”

Neighbors testified to seeing a car in Lester’s driveway around 9:30 p.m. the night of the shooting and that it was “highly unusual” as Lester hadn’t had visitors in a long time. Neighbors also testified to hearing gunshots and then seeing a Black male or teen running away from Lester’s house “hysterically screaming” he’d been shot. Three neighbors testified they were initially scared to go outside because they did not know what was going on and if the shooter was still outside.

Investigators testified Lester was cooperative during the investigation, that he told detectives he was scared and feared he “couldn’t stand up to him,” referring to the person at his door. Yarl is of slender build and about 5-foot-10.

Investigators also testified Lester said he didn’t know what the person at his door wanted, but that he seemed concerned about the person he shot, asking about the victim’s condition.

After learning of Lester’s death, Yarl’s family released a statement, saying his death brings a mix of emotions, but not justice.

“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. That delay leaves our family reeling,” reads the statement. “Some may see Lester’s passing as a form of consequence for his actions, but the reality remains: Ralph Yarl survived, yet justice was never truly served. He has a lifetime ahead to carry the trauma of that night while the man responsible escaped sentencing. We remain committed to seeking a world where no child fears for their life because of their race and no family has to endure what we have. Ralph’s story is far from over, and neither is our fight for justice.”

A spokesperson for the prosecutor’s office said Lester’s death was not the result of suicide.