The legal strain around the shooting of Ralph Yarl, a Black teenager who was shot in the head and arm for mistakenly ringing the wrong doorbell, has reached a controversial conclusion.
Andrew Lester, the 86-year-old white man responsible for the shooting, has accepted a plea deal that could land him behind bars for up to seven years—but many, including Yarl’s family, say that’s not enough.
Source: Kansas City Police Department/Ralph Yarl’s Family / Kansas City Police Department/Ralph Yarl’s Family
Lester Pleads Guilty, Faces Up to 7 Years
Lester appeared in court on February 14, 2025, where he pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree assault, a Class D felony. According to KCTV5, under the terms of the agreement: he could face between one and seven years in prison and a possible $10,000 fine.
Clay County Prosecuting Attorney Zachary Thompson emphasized that this case was not about the right to self-defense but rather the reasonableness of Lester’s actions.
In KCTV5, Thompson shared that there is a clear difference.
“While we support homeowners’ right to protect themselves, shooting an unarmed teenager through a locked door exceeds reasonable bounds,” Thompson stated. “Ralph made an innocent mistake, and the consequences—being shot twice—far exceeded any reasonable response.”
Lester’s sentencing is set for March 7, and prosecutors have requested a five-year sentence, arguing that his actions not only affected Yarl but also left a deep impact on the community.
The Shooting That Shocked the Nation
The case dates back to April 13, 2023, when then-16-year-old Ralph Yarl arrived at the wrong house in Northland, Kansas City, Missouri, while trying to pick up his younger twin brothers. Instead of finding his siblings, Yarl found himself staring down the barrel of Lester’s revolver.
According to KCTV5, Lester fired twice—first hitting Yarl in the head, then again in the arm after he had already fallen. Witnesses recalled hearing gunshots followed by screams, and surveillance footage later revealed that Lester muttered, “Don’t come around here.”
Despite severe injuries, Yarl managed to stagger to three different houses before a neighbor, identified only as Jodi, finally opened her door to help—defying 911 dispatchers who initially told her not to intervene due to an “active shooter” concern.
Read how Ralph Yarl’s family reacted to Andrew Lester’s plea deal and how the teen is doing now after the jump.
Yarl’s Family: ‘This Is Not Justice’
For Yarl’s family, this plea deal is not a victory—it’s a slap on the wrist.
As reported by NBC News, the family released a statement stating:
“Justice demands more than a guilty plea today… True justice requires consequences that reflect the severity of his actions—anything less would be a failure to recognize the harm he has caused,” the family stated.
The family also emphasized the racial implications of the case, noting that Black children should not have to fear for their lives simply for existing.
“This case has never been just about Ralph—it is about every child’s right to exist without being seen as a threat,” they continued. “The fight against systemic failures and racial bias must continue.”
Before the plea deal, Yarl’s aunt and family spokesperson, Faith Spoonmore, was openly critical of the prosecution’s handling of the case.
Spoonmore shared with NBC News that Thompson never argued that race played a role in the shooting.
“I don’t think that the prosecutor’s office is on our side,” Spoonmore stated.
Thompson, however, pushed back, saying, “We understand their frustration, but throughout this process, our office has maintained regular and respectful communication with Mr. Yarl’s family.”
Andrew Lester’s Defense: ‘I Was Scared to Death’
Lester initially pleaded not guilty to first-degree assault and armed criminal action, claiming he feared for his life due to Yarl’s size and age difference.
Bye!
As NBC News reports, Lester told police, “It was the last thing I wanted to do, but I was scared to death.”
Despite these claims, prosecutors argued that Lester acted unreasonably and had no justification for shooting a teenager through a locked door.
Lester’s defense team later tried to have him declared mentally unfit for trial, citing a decline in his health and memory, but a judge ruled in November 2024 that he was competent to stand trial.
Ralph Yarl: A Survivor’s Journey
Now 18 years old, Yarl is a freshman at Texas A&M University, majoring in engineering and playing bass clarinet in the school’s marching band. Despite physical and emotional trauma, he has continued to push forward with his education and music career.
NBC News reflected on past statements from Yarl:
“Whenever something reminds me of what happened, I just have such a negative wave of emotions—anger, disgust,” Yarl told NBC News in 2024. “It’s always a mix of good and bad days. The good days come when I’m around people who help me build myself up.”
While he has remained quiet and reserved, in KCTV5, Spoonmore says his resilience has been remarkable.
“Ralph has been doing his best, I’m so proud of that kid. He’s trying to put his best foot forward,” Spoonmore said.
Kansas City’s Mayor: ‘Violence Has No Place Here’
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas has also weighed in on the case, condemning Lester’s actions and emphasizing the need for greater accountability and safety measures.
“The shooting of Ralph Yarl, an unarmed Black teen, was a tragic and unacceptable act of violence,” Lucas said in a statement reported by KCTV5. “While we are grateful he survived, the trauma and harm inflicted on him, his loved ones, and our community will not be soon forgotten.”
He added, “Every person in our city deserves to feel safe—regardless of race or background. Violence has no place in our city.”
Final Thoughts: A Turning Point or a Missed Opportunity?
For Yarl’s family, this case isn’t over. While Lester’s guilty plea acknowledges his actions, they argue that real justice requires more than just a few years in prison.
Yarl himself has expressed hope that his case will spark larger conversations about gun violence.
“I’m one teenager hurt by a shooting, and my heart and mind go out to so many others shot and unheard,” Yarl told KCTV5. “Shooting as a first response to uncertainty or conflict should be resolved by using words, not weapons.”
As Lester awaits sentencing, the question remains: Does this plea deal truly serve justice, or is it just another example of the system failing Black victims of gun violence?
