Andrew Lester has died. The 86-year-old was awaiting sentencing for shooting Ralph Yarl in 2023. He pled guilty to second-degree assault lower than per week ago, on February 14. Nevertheless, he was initially charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal motion for firing at the teenager, who was 16 on the time.
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The incident quickly went viral after it happened, given the context of the situation. When you’re just hearing about it, here’s what happened. A Black teen approached the flawed house while attempting to choose up his siblings, and the white older man shot him through a closed door. Yarl survived and is reportedly now a first-year student at Texas A&M University.
More Details About Andrew Lester’s Death
Prosecutors revealed Andrew Lester’s death on Wednesday, February 19, per the Associated Press. His attorney passed the news to the prosecutor’s office in Clay County, Missouri, which later released an announcement.
“We now have learned of the passing of Andrew Lester and extend our sincere condolences to his family during this difficult time. While the legal proceedings have now concluded, we acknowledge that Mr. Lester did take responsibility for his actions by pleading guilty on this case.”
Lester had pled guilty ahead of a trial start. His charge carried a possible sentence of as much as seven years behind bars and was set for March 7. Right now, Andrew’s reason behind death isn’t known. Nevertheless, a rep for the Clay County sheriff’s office described his health as “poor” during his plea hearing last week. Based on AP, Missouri’s Kansas City police don’t plan to research the death.
Ralph Yarl’s Family Reacts To The Death
While the prosecutor’s office has prolonged its condolences, the identical can’t be said for Ralph Yarl’s family. After hearing the news of Andrew Lester’s death, they shared an announcement.
“Now, one other Black child harmed by prejudice won’t ever see the person who shot him face the complete weight of the justice system. While Lester finally admitted guilt, it got here on the very last moment—after two years of stalling. That delay leaves our family reeling,” it said.
RELATED: Shattering His Silence: Ralph Yarl Speaks Out After Being Shot, Says Andrew Lester “Should Be Convicted”‘
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