The prosecution of 86-year-old Andrew Lester, charged in the April 2023 shooting of Black teenager Ralph Yarl, will move forward, a judge ruled on Tuesday.
This decision follows a court-ordered mental health evaluation of Lester, though the results have not been made public. Lester’s attorney, Steve Salmon, requested the evaluation due to concerns about his client’s weight loss, memory problems, and confusion.
Lester faces charges of first-degree felony assault and armed criminal action after shooting 16-year-old Yarl, who mistakenly went to Lester’s home to pick up his younger siblings.
Yarl was shot in the head and arm but survived, suffering serious injuries and potential long-term brain issues.
The case has sparked national attention, with questions raised about whether racism played a role.
Lester, initially detained and later released the night of the shooting, was arrested and charged days later after public outcry.
Lester claimed he fired through a locked glass door after seeing Yarl pulling on a door handle. He said he was “scared to death” due to Yarl’s size, though Yarl’s family stated the teen was 5’8″ and 140 pounds. Yarl, in contrast, stated he only rang the doorbell and was shot immediately after the door was opened, with a second shot fired while he was on the ground.
Lester’s trial, originally scheduled for October 7, is now set for February 18, 2025.
