Latest news with #RalphYarl
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Rep. Davids on rapid changes in DC; reaction to Andrew Lester guilty plea, death
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — With the Trump Administration completing its first 30 days in office, the . This week, Kansas Democrat Congresswoman Sharice Davids weighs in on her reaction to the changes in DC, and the prospects for policy on farm issues and preparing for the . Blue Valley West swimmer with cancer excels at state; honored with award Then, the mother of Ralph Yarl, the teen wounded by Andrew Lester when he went to the wrong address. In a strange twist, on the eve of his trial. Then days later, . with the case, and how it was handled, in a special report from FOX4's Malik Jackson. Then, Jackson joins us to discuss key issues as the case sunsets. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Yahoo
US man dies awaiting sentencing for shooting teen Ralph Yarl
A Missouri man has died weeks before his sentencing for shooting a 16-year-old boy who accidentally went to the wrong address. Andrew Lester, 86, pleaded guilty last week to second-degree assault after opening fire on Ralph Yarl in Kansas City on 13 April 2023. Lester was scheduled for sentencing on 7 March and was facing seven years in prison. In a statement, the Yarl family expressed frustration that "justice was never truly served". Ralph Yarl rang Lester's doorbell while going to pick up his younger brothers. Prosecutors said Lester shot the teen without speaking to him. The boy survived and has since graduated from high school. The Clay County prosecutor's office said in a statement on Wednesday: "We 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 in this case. "Our thoughts remain with both families affected by this tragic incident as they continue their healing process." But in a statement to the Kansas City Star, the Yarl family expressed dissatisfaction that "the man responsible escaped sentencing". They added: "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." Police initially said there was a "racial component" to the shooting, but authorities ultimately did not charge Lester with a hate crime. Lester and his lawyers said he was acting in self-defence and thought the teenager was trying to break into his home. Ralph Yarl told authorities his mother sent him to pick up his siblings from a playdate at around 22:00 local time. He mixed up similar street names - Northeast 115 Street and Northeast 115th Terrace - which put him on Lester's doorstep and about a block away from the house he was trying to find. After he rang the doorbell, Lester shot him twice - once in the forehead and once in the arm. Prosecutors have said the boy "did not cross the threshold" of Lester's home and survived after fleeing to neighbouring homes for help. Police initially detained Lester for questioning and released him without charges, sparking protests in Kansas City. The demonstrations drew support from celebrities including actresses Halle Berry, Kerry Washington and Jennifer Hudson. Lester turned himself in after an arrest warrant was issued. The case was one of several in spring 2023 in which Americans were injured after minor mistakes resulted in gun violence. One of the victims, 20-year-old Kaylin Gillis, was fatally shot after a car she was in pulled into the wrong driveway in upstate New York.
The Hill
19-02-2025
- The Hill
Andrew Lester dies days after pleading guilty in Ralph Yarl shooting
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
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Yahoo
The white man who pleaded guilty to shooting Ralph Yarl when the Black teen rang a wrong doorbell dies, prosecutors say
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The white man who pleaded guilty to shooting Ralph Yarl when the Black teen rang a wrong doorbell dies, prosecutors say.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
KU Cancer Center recognized for transplant that saved 1-year-old's life
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Heroic staff members and medical professionals at the are being nationally recognized for giving yet another patient — a 1-year-old child — a 'fighting chance to survive and thrive.' The KU Cancer Center, one of the most prestigious cancer research hospitals in the nation, has been awarded the 2024 Service Award by the after its staff successfully collected donor blood stem cells within 48 hours for an infant patient — a process that typically takes weeks or months. Kansas Highway Patrol says seatbelt saved man's life in rollover crash 'Faced with an urgent bone marrow harvest request, KU Cancer Center demonstrated professionalism that went above and beyond the ordinary,' said Jamie Margolis, Vice President, Member, Donor & Product Operations at NMDP. 'These healthcare professionals worked with speed, efficiency and determination. Their ability to remove obstacles made the path forward simpler, easier and, mostly importantly, lifesaving.' According to the NMDP, staff were faced with a short, two-day window and many geographical challenges to retrieve the bone marrow. The donor, who was based in Texas, wasn't able to donate locally due to Hurricane Beryl back in June 2024, leaving staff in an unprecedented situation. The NMDP said that, due to the team's 'swift action' and 'determination,' yet another successful bone marrow collection and transfer was completed, giving the 1-year-old child another chance at life. Ralph Yarl's mother speaks out after trial avoided in son's shooting 'Here at KU, it's always 'patients first,'' said Dr. Leyla Shune, Associate Professor of Medicine at KU Medical Center. 'When a patient is in need of a transplant, we do everything we can to help.' Patients suffering from blood cancers and diseases often only have a chance to survive with the help of bone marrow and blood stem cell transplants. According to the NMDP, about 70% of all patients don't have a matching donor in their families, leaving them to rely on a volunteer donor. The generosity of the donor, the heroic efforts of transplant center physicians, the hard work of the NMDP, which facilitates and coordinates the transplants, and the courage of the recipients are all critical factors that ensure a successful procedure. Now, the KU Cansas Center staff is being rightfully recognized as an 'exceptional' team that is capable of 'turning matches into life-saving outcomes.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
