Man, 86, Who Was Charged with Shooting a Black Teen in the Head After He Mistakenly Rang His Doorbell, Accepts Plea Deal

Mar. 15, 2025

Andrew Lester during an appearance in Clay County Circuit Court.Photo:Pool/The Kansas City Star/Tribune News Service via Getty

Andrew Lester, center, during an appearance in Clay County Circuit Court last year.

Pool/The Kansas City Star/Tribune News Service via Getty

Andrew Lester — the 86-year-old White man who allegedly shot and woundedRalph Yarlafter the Black teen mistakenly rang his doorbell in April 2023 — accepted a plea deal on Feb. 14, according to reports.

Lester agreed to plead guilty to second-degree assault, which means he will avoid trial and will face one to seven years in prison or a fine of up to $10,000, according toNPR affiliate KCUR.He was initially charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action, with a trial scheduled to begin on Feb. 18, per the outlet.

Ralph Yarl.GoFundMe

Ralph Yarl

GoFundMe

Lester then allegedly shot Yarl a second time as he lay on the ground in a pool of blood, and Yarl was later able to stand and get help from a neighbor, per multiple reports.

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Lester’s attorney, Steve Salmon, who previously argued that his client acted in self-defense, also claimed that Lester had heart and memory issues that were factors in the case. However, a judge determined that Lester was fit to stand trial in November 2024 after reviewing the results of a mental exam, perABC News.

PEOPLE reached out to both attorneys for comment on Feb. 15, but did not receive an immediate response.

source: people.com