86-Year-Old Man Dies Days After Pleading Guilty to Shooting Black Teen

Andrew Lester, an 86-year-old Missouri man, passed away shortly after pleading guilty to second-degree assault for the 2023 shooting of Ralph Yarl, a Black teenager who mistakenly rang his doorbell. The shooting incident, which drew national attention, occurred when Yarl approached Lester's home while attempting to pick up his siblings. Lester shot Yarl twice, in the head and arm, believing he was defending himself against a potential intruder. Although Lester took responsibility by pleading guilty, his death leaves questions about accountability, as Yarl's family expressed that justice has not been served. The case has reignited discussions on gun violence and racial tensions in America. Lester was set to be sentenced on March 7, with the potential for a maximum of seven years in prison for the assault charge.