Andrew Lester, a man who pleaded guilty last week to second-degree assault following the shooting of Ralph Yarl, an unarmed adolescent in Kansas City in 2023, has passed away, according to information released by a Clay County prosecutor.
Lester was 86 years of age at the time of his death; however, he was 84 years old during the incident involving the shooting.
In an official statement, the prosecutor noted, "While the legal proceedings have now come to a conclusion, we recognize that Mr. Lester accepted accountability for his actions by pleading guilty in this matter. Our thoughts remain with both families impacted by this tragic event as they continue their process of healing."
Lester had been awaiting sentencing for the incident in April 2023, during which he shot then-16-year-old Yarl twice—once above his left eye and again in his upper right arm—after the teenager mistakenly approached his residence, believing it to be the correct location to retrieve his siblings.
After the incident, Lester surrendered to law enforcement and was charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action.
However, less than a week before death, on February 14, Lester entered a plea of guilty to one felony count of second-degree assault. This plea would have carried a maximum penalty of seven years of incarceration, although the state was recommending a sentence of five years.
Following the announcement of Lester's passing, Yarl's family released a public statement expressing their sentiments.
The news of Andrew Lester’s passing brings a mix of emotions, but it does not bring justice. One of the reasons we pushed for a speedy trial was to ensure the public would see that our society does not condone shooting an unarmed, innocent child simply for ringing the wrong doorbell—especially when that child was targeted because of the color of his skin
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.
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.“
— The Family of Ralph Yarl
Lester was set for sentencing on Friday, March 7. The nature of his death has not been released to the public.