The family of Ralph Yarl, a Black teenager from Kansas City, Missouri, has filed a lawsuit against Andrew Lester, a white homeowner who shot Yarl multiple times after he accidentally rang the wrong doorbell. The lawsuit, filed on Monday in the Clay County Circuit Court, also names the HOA of the neighborhood, Highland Acres Homes Association, as a defendant.
The incident occurred on April 13, 2023, when Yarl, then 17, mistakenly went to Lester's home to pick up his younger brothers. Without warning or any verbal exchange, Lester opened the door and shot Yarl in the head. While Yarl was still down, Lester fired a second round and struck him in the arm.
Lester was initially taken into custody on the night of the shooting but was released after only being in custody for two hours. Following public objection and criticism, he faced arrest and formal charges almost a week after the incident. Lester currently faces charges of first-degree assault and armed criminal action. He pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial scheduled for October 7.
The lawsuit alleges that Lester's actions were “negligent” and that the homeowners association “should have been aware of his propensity for violence, access to dangerous weapons and racial animus.”
The family is seeking unspecified compensation, court costs, and legal fees as part of the lawsuit.
Despite sustaining severe injuries, the teenager has survived the ordeal. As reported by CNN, individuals close to the family indicated that he’s expected to fully recover, although there is a chance of long-term brain complications.
