Family of Ralph Yarl, Black teen shot after ringing wrong doorbell, files civil lawsuit
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (WDAF) – The family of Ralph Yarl filed a civil lawsuit Monday morning against Andrew Lester and the homeowner’s association where Lester lives.
The lawsuit alleges the shooting was caused by the “careless” and “negligent” actions of the now 85-year-old and the Highland Acres Homes Association.
It also claims the association had policies prohibiting such an incident but “should have been aware” of Lester’s “access to dangerous weapons and racial animus.”
Lester is charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action in the shooting, which happened on April 13th, 2023.
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Yarl, who was 16 at the time, was going to pick up his younger siblings at a home on N.E. 115th Terrace when he mistakenly went to Lester’s home on N.E. 115th Street. Court documents said once Yarl rang the doorbell, Lester shot him.
Yarl survived but sustained a traumatic brain injury. The shooting gained national attention from activists, celebrities, and lawmakers.
Yarl’s family released a statement on Monday:
Lester’s criminal trial is scheduled to begin in October. A court hearing for the civil suit has yet to be scheduled.
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