Latest news with #AndrewLester
Scoop
30-05-2025
- Scoop
Timaru's Water Becomes A Third Time Champion For Taste
Timaru's Seadown water supply has been crowned the best tasting in New Zealand as part of the 2025 IXOM National Water Taste Test competition. It's not only the humans that enjoy the best tasting water in NZ, the supply is a rural scheme that services 450 properties and plenty of stock in the 5000-hectare area north of Timaru. 'The Seadown Scheme also services our airport, so everyone is welcome to come visit and try the best water in New Zealand, there's a drinking fountain ready for you when you land,' Timaru District Mayor Nigel Bowen said. 'We all take it for granted that we can just turn a tap and the safe, clean and great tasting water comes out, but it takes quite a bit of work to get it there. 'There are 13 schemes in the Timaru District, it takes a lot of work from the team and infrastructure to get it from the source to tap and tasting the best. 'Water is one of our core services in local government and it's great to know we are doing our best for the ratepayer.' Timaru District Council Drainage and Water Manager Andrew Lester said after winning the best tasting water with Pleasant Point and Downlands in previous years, it was important to 'show a little love to Timaru's other water Schemes'. 'We were pretty confident going in that we had the best tasting water, but there was some pretty stiff competition with Waimakariri, Taupo and Rotorua,' he said. 'Our team work hard, so it was great to hear the judges say our water is crisp and delicious. 'We look forward to seeing how we go in the Trans-Tasman taste test, and as we said about the New Zealand competition, may the best water win.'
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Yahoo
Andrew Lester Dies Days After Pleading Guilty To Shooting Ralph Yarl
Andrew Lester died on Wednesday (Feb. 19), according to a statement from Clay County Prosecuting Attorney Zachary Thompson. The news comes just days after the 86-year-old plead guilty to felony assault in the second degree for shooting Ralph Yarl, the Black teenager who accidentally knocked on his door in 2023. Lester was set to face trial this week after entering the guilty plea on Friday (Feb. 14). He was expected to be sentenced on Mar. 7. 'We have learned of the passing of Andrew Lester and extend our sincere condolences to his family during this difficult time,' said Thompson. 'While the legal proceedings have now concluded, we acknowledge that Mr. Lester did take responsibility for his actions by pleading guilty in this case. Our thoughts remain with both families affected by this tragic incident as they continue their healing process.' Second-degree assault, which is a Class D felony, carries a sentence of up to seven years in prison, Thompson noted. ABC News reported that Lester was initially charged with one count of felony assault in the first-degree and one count of armed criminal action. Lester shot the teenager in the head and right arm after Yarl knocked on his door when attempting to pick up his younger brothers, mistaking Lester's home for someone else's. Lester thought he was an intruder, per a probable cause statement. He initially plead not guilty and was released on $200,000 bond. Yarl's family feels 'justice was never truly served,' per a statement following news of Lester's death. 'The news of Andrew Lester's passing brings a mix of emotions, but it does not bring justice. 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.' Yarl was 16 at the time and suffered a traumatic brain injury. More from Queens Nightclub Shooting Leaves 10 People Wounded Tuskegee University Homecoming Mass Shooting Leaves 1 Dead, 16 Injured Boosie Badazz Performance Cancelled After Two Men Are Shot And Killed
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Yahoo
Man who admitted to shooting Black teen at wrong door dies before sentencing
Video above: Coverage of Andrew Lester taking a plea deal on Feb. 14, 2025, before his trial was set to begin. KANSAS CITY, Mo. (WDAF) — Andrew Lester, a man who pleaded guilty last week to second-degree assault after he shot Ralph Yarl, an unarmed teenage boy in Kansas City in 2023, has died, according to a Clay County prosecutor. Lester was 86 years old when he died, but at the time of the shooting, he was 84. Ralph Yarl's mother speaks out after trial avoided in son's shooting In a news release, the prosecutor said, 'While the legal proceedings have now concluded, we acknowledge that Mr. Lester did take responsibility for his actions by pleading guilty in this case. Our thoughts remain with both families affected by this tragic incident as they continue their healing process.' Lester was awaiting sentencing for the April 2023 incident where he shot then-16-year-old Yarl twice — one time above his left eye and the other in his upper right arm — after the teen showed up at his house thinking it was the correct location to pick up his siblings. A few days later, Lester turned himself over to the authorities and was charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action. However, less than a week ago, on Feb. 14, Lester avoided trial by pleading guilty to one felony count of second-degree assault. His plea would have carried a maximum of seven years in prison, but the state was seeking five years. Shortly after Lester's death was announced, Yarl's family issued a public statement. They wrote: 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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Yahoo
Andrew Lester dies after pleading guilty in Ralph Yarl shooting
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Andrew Lester, a man who to second-degree assault after he shot Ralph Yarl, an unarmed teenage boy in Kansas City in 2023, has died, according to a Clay County prosecutor. Lester was 86 years old when he died, but at the time of the shooting, he was 84. Ralph Yarl's mother speaks out after trial avoided in son's shooting In a news release, the prosecutor said, 'While the legal proceedings have now concluded, we acknowledge that Mr. Lester did take responsibility for his actions by pleading guilty in this case. Our thoughts remain with both families affected by this tragic incident as they continue their healing process.' Lester was awaiting sentencing for the April 2023 incident where he shot then-16-year-old Yarl twice — one time above his left eye and the other in his upper right arm — after the teen showed up at his house thinking it was the correct location to pick up his siblings. A few days later, Lester turned himself over to the authorities and was charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action. However, less than a week ago, on Feb. 14, Lester avoided trial by pleading guilty to one felony count of second-degree assault. His plea would have carried a maximum of seven years in prison, but the state was seeking five years. Shortly after Lester's death was announced, Yarl's family issued a public statement. They wrote: 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.' Suspects charged in connection to Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce burglaries Lester was set for sentencing on Friday, March 7, at 10 a.m. The nature of Lester's death has not been released to the public. This is a developing story. Stay tuned at FOX4 News for the latest updates and information. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
19-02-2025
- The Hill
Man who admitted to shooting Black teen at wrong door dies before sentencing
Video above: Coverage of Andrew Lester taking a plea deal on Feb. 14, 2025, before his trial was set to begin. KANSAS CITY, Mo. (WDAF) — Andrew Lester, a man who pleaded guilty last week to second-degree assault after he shot Ralph Yarl, an unarmed teenage boy in Kansas City in 2023, has died, according to a Clay County prosecutor. Lester was 86 years old when he died, but at the time of the shooting, he was 84. Ralph Yarl's mother speaks out after trial avoided in son's shooting In a news release, the prosecutor said, 'While the legal proceedings have now concluded, we acknowledge that Mr. Lester did take responsibility for his actions by pleading guilty in this case. Our thoughts remain with both families affected by this tragic incident as they continue their healing process.' Lester was awaiting sentencing for the April 2023 incident where he shot then-16-year-old Yarl twice — one time above his left eye and the other in his upper right arm — after the teen showed up at his house thinking it was the correct location to pick up his siblings. A few days later, Lester turned himself over to the authorities and was charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action. However, less than a week ago, on Feb. 14, Lester avoided trial by pleading guilty to one felony count of second-degree assault. His plea would have carried a maximum of seven years in prison, but the state was seeking five years. Shortly after Lester's death was announced, Yarl's family issued a public statement. They wrote: 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
