Black Teen Shot By White Homeowner After Entering Wrong House In Kansas City
A black teen shot by white homeowner after entering wrong house in Kansas City. According to the Kansas City Police Department, the 16-year-old boy was unarmed and had went to the house, mistaking 115th Terrace for 115th Street.
Author:Rhyley CarneyReviewer:Paula M. GrahamApr 18, 202315.1K Shares270.8K Views
A black teen shot by white homeowner after entering wrong house in Kansas City. According to the Kansas City Police Department, the 16-year-old boy was unarmed and had went to the house, mistaking 115th Terrace for 115th Street.
The homeowner, a White 84-year-old identified as Andrew Lester, has been charged with two felony counts of assault and battery.
The Incident
The incident occurred on the evening of April 16, 2023, when the teenager, identified as Ralph Yarl, was returning home from a high school basketball game.
He had parked his car on the street and mistakenly went to Andrew Lester's house, which was similar in appearance to his own.
Lester, who was inside the house at the time, allegedly fired multiple shots at Yarl, striking him in the chest.
Yarl was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. He is currently in critical but stable condition.
White homeowner accused of shooting Black teen who went to the wrong house in Kansas City will face
Charges Filed Against Yarl
Following the shooting, Lester was taken into custody by the police. On April 17, 2023, prosecutors announced that Lester would be charged with two felony counts of assault and battery. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison for each count.
Lester's lawyer has argued that he believed that he was acting in self-defense when he fired the shots at Yarl.
However, the prosecutor has argued that Lester's actions were unjustified and that he had no reason to believe that Yarl posed a threat.
Outrage And Protests
The incident has sparked outrage and frustration, with many calling for justice for Ralph Yarl and his family.
The community has organized protests and vigils, demanding that the justice system hold Lester accountable for his actions.
Social media has been flooded with messages of support for the Yarl family and criticism of the systemic racism that allows such incidents to happen.
Background On The Crisis
The shooting of Ralph Yarl is the latest incident in a long line of gun-related violence in the United States, particularly against Black Americans.
According to a study by the National Institutes of Health, Black Americans are 10 times more likely than white Americans to be killed by guns.
The incident also highlights the need for better education and training on gun safety and self-defense.
In response to the shooting, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas has issued a statement condemning the violence and calling for unity in the community.
“„We must come together to work towards a more just and equitable society, where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.- Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas
The case is still ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge as the investigation continues.
Final Words
The shooting of Ralph Yarl is a tragic reminder of the consequences of systemic racism in the United States. While the charges filed against Lester are a step toward justice, they are not enough to address the larger issue at hand.
The community must continue to push for systemic change to ensure that incidents like this never happen again. Our thoughts are with the Yarl family during this difficult time.
Rhyley Carney
Author
Paula M. Graham
Reviewer
Latest Articles
Popular Articles