A Missouri judge has ruled that 84-year-old Andrew Lester must stand trial for shooting a Black teenager who mistakenly went to his house in April. The victim, Ralph Yarl, testified at the preliminary hearing that led to the judge sending the case forward to trial. The incident has sparked national debates about gun policies and race in America, and Lester has pleaded not guilty to the charges. His arraignment is set for September 20, and the outcome of the trial is yet to be seen.
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84-year-old Andrew Lester appeared in court Wednesday to plead not guilty to charges of first-degree assault and armed criminal action in the shooting of a Black teenager, Ralph Yarl. The incident has sparked national debate about gun policies and Lester's attorney has argued that the shooting was in self-defense. The judge ordered Lester to surrender his passport and firearms and to not have contact with Yarl or his family, and he is due back in court on October 7th for a preliminary hearing.
An 85-year-old White man has been charged with two felonies for shooting a 16-year-old Black teen who had mistakenly gone to the man's home. The potential punishment for the assault charge is up to life in prison. The incident has sparked outrage in the community and the Kansas City Police Department is working with the Clay County Prosecutor's Office to ensure a thorough investigation.
A 16-year-old boy, Ralph Yarl, was hospitalized Thursday night after being shot while trying to pick up his younger twin brothers. Kansas City police are working to quickly prepare evidence for the Clay County prosecutor and have not released any further information. Yarl's family has started an online fundraiser and petition calling for justice.
Timothy M. Haslett, a 40-year-old man from Excelsior Springs, Missouri, has been indicted on nine counts that carry life in prison following an investigation into the alleged abduction of a woman who was held captive in his basement for several months. The indictment follows the woman's escape in October 2020, and Clay County Prosecutor Zachary Thompson has praised her bravery in coming forward and providing testimony to the grand jury. Haslett is currently being held in the Clay County Jail without bond.
High Springs Police Department have located two missing children from Missouri, a 12-year-old girl and 11-year-old boy, who had been abducted nearly a year ago. The officers located the children, with their non-custodial mother, Kristi Nicole Gilley, 36, while running a routine tag check on her vehicle. Gilley has been detained and arrested, and the children are now in the custody of the Clay County Sheriff's Office and being reunited with their family. The High Springs Police Department is continuing to investigate the case and are asking anyone with information to contact them.