Man Charged With Shooting Black Kansas City Teen Who Went To Wrong House, Prosecutors Say - Forbes

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Topline

Missouri prosecutors announced charges Monday against an 85-year-old white man who allegedly shot a Black teen in the head last week after they said the teen mistakenly approached his home, in a case that has attracted national attention for its racial undertones.

Key Facts

The man, 85-year-old Andrew Lester, has been charged with assault in the first degree and armed criminal action for shooting 16-year-old Ralph Yarl on Thursday, prosecutors in Clay County announced.

Yarl was seriously injured after being shot twice—once in the head—but was released from the hospital Sunday and is now recovering at home.

Prosecutors said Yarl was sent to pick up his brothers but approached Lester’s home by mistake—the elderly man then approached his front door and shot the teen.

Lester could not be immediately reached for comment—it is unclear if he has an attorney.

Authorities have not indicated they believe the shooting was racially motivated.

Key Background

The shooting took place in a middle-class neighborhood in north Kansas City, and has led to widespread outrage. Vice President Kamala Harris tweeted Monday: “Let's be clear: No child should ever live in fear of being shot for ringing the wrong doorbell,” while celebrities like Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said he hopes the “justice system does right by” Yarl.

Tangent

Booking records indicate a man living at Lester’s address was arrested just before midnight Thursday and was released from custody less than two hours later, according to CNN.