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Ralph Yarl: Man accused of shooting teen on doorstep pleads not guilty Ralph Yarl: Man accused of shooting teen on doorstep pleads not guilty
(about 13 hours later)
Mr Lester, 84, was allowed to remain free on bail pending trial Andrew Lester, 84, was allowed to remain free on bail pending trial
A Kansas City man accused of shooting a teenager on his doorstep has appeared in court to plead not guilty to charges of assault and armed criminal action. A Kansas City man accused of shooting a teenager on his doorstep has pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and armed criminal action.
Andrew Lester, 84, allegedly shot Ralph Yarl twice after the black teen knocked on the door of the wrong home while trying to pick up his younger brothers.Andrew Lester, 84, allegedly shot Ralph Yarl twice after the black teen knocked on the door of the wrong home while trying to pick up his younger brothers.
Mr Lester does not deny that he opened fire, but his lawyers say that he thought the boy, 16, was a threat.Mr Lester does not deny that he opened fire, but his lawyers say that he thought the boy, 16, was a threat.
If convicted, Mr Lester may spend the rest of his life in prison.If convicted, Mr Lester may spend the rest of his life in prison.
Mr Lester slowly entered the Clay County Courthouse on Wednesday with the aid of sheriff deputies and a walking cane. Ralph Yarl told authorities he had driven to Northeast 115 Street instead of nearby Northeast 115th Terrace. He is recovering from his injuries, his family says, and doctors have expressed shock that he survived.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges and mumbled answers to the judge's questions - at one point appearing to be confused. There was a quiet hush as Mr Lester slowly entered the Clay County Courthouse on Wednesday with the aid of sheriff's deputies and a cane.
He was allowed to remain free on bail pending trial, but was ordered to have his mobile phone monitored and surrender his passport. Appearing downcast, he occasionally closed his eyes as the clock ticked closer to the hearing. At times he appeared to be confused, but otherwise answered the judge's questions clearly.
He was also banned from accessing guns or going near Ralph's family. Mr Lester was allowed to remain free on bail pending trial, but was ordered to have his mobile phone monitored and surrender his passport. He was also banned from accessing guns or going near the Yarl family.
His next court date is in June.
Ralph Yarl is now walking and communicating, his aunt said in an updateRalph Yarl is now walking and communicating, his aunt said in an update
A prosecutor had earlier said there was a racial component to the crime - which Ralph's family also believes - but Mr Lester hasn't been charged with a hate crime. A prosecutor earlier said there was a racial component to the crime - which the Yarl family also believes - but Mr Lester hasn't been charged with a hate crime.
Meanwhile, a fundraiser for Ralph Yarl has topped $3.2m (£2.5m). Prosecutors said the boy "did not cross the threshold" of Mr Lester's home.
The GoFundMe page, started by his aunt, says the donations will go towards his medical bills and therapy. Meanwhile, a fundraiser for Ralph Yarl has topped $3.2m (£2.5m). The GoFundMe page, started by his aunt, says the donations will go towards his medical bills and therapy.
Any further funds will cover his education at Texas A&M University, and a long-awaited trip to West Africa.Any further funds will cover his education at Texas A&M University, and a long-awaited trip to West Africa.
Mr Lester, who is white, has not denied shooting the boy in the head and the arm, telling authorities he believed he was protecting himself from a confrontation. Prosecutors have said that Ralph, who is black, "did not cross the threshold" of Mr Lester's home.
Ralph Yarl: What we know about the Missouri shootingRalph Yarl: What we know about the Missouri shooting
Can you legally shoot before asking questions?Can you legally shoot before asking questions?
A lawyer for the Yarl family is calling for a federal review of the case.A lawyer for the Yarl family is calling for a federal review of the case.
Police initially detained Mr Lester for questioning and released him without charges, sparking protests in Kansas City.Police initially detained Mr Lester for questioning and released him without charges, sparking protests in Kansas City.
Mr Lester turned himself in to police on Tuesday, and was released after posting 10% of a total $200,000 bail amount. He said in court on Wednesday that he had moved out of his home, which has been the target of vandalism since the shooting.Mr Lester turned himself in to police on Tuesday, and was released after posting 10% of a total $200,000 bail amount. He said in court on Wednesday that he had moved out of his home, which has been the target of vandalism since the shooting.
Doctors who treated Ralph said this week they had no idea how he had survived. Lee Merritt, a lawyer for the Yarl family, told the BBC that the boy was suffering from speech problems and had a long road to recovery.
Lee Merritt, a lawyer for the Yarl family, told the BBC that Ralph was suffering from speech problems and had a long road to recovery.
"I think he's an amazing kid," said Mr Merritt, adding that the boy was surprised by all the attention the case had been getting."I think he's an amazing kid," said Mr Merritt, adding that the boy was surprised by all the attention the case had been getting.
"It's a big deal because the community is tired of their children being victimised and Ralph will make the change," said Mr Merritt. "It's a big deal because the community is tired of their children being victimised and Ralph will make the change," Mr Merritt said.
Watch: Ralph's mother, Cleo Nagbe, speaks to CBS about his injuriesWatch: Ralph's mother, Cleo Nagbe, speaks to CBS about his injuries
Watch: Ralph's mother, Cleo Nagbe, speaks to CBS about his injuriesWatch: Ralph's mother, Cleo Nagbe, speaks to CBS about his injuries
Ralph's aunt, Faith Spoonmore, said in an update that Ralph was now managing to walk and communicate.
She has been sharing the outpouring of support with her nephew, reading emails and comments to him.
Ms Spoonmore said the wounded 16-year-old had to go to three different homes after being shot, before someone finally helped him.
Staley High School jazz band is holding a benefit concert for Ralph, who plays in the band, on Thursday evening local time. Ticket and refreshment sales will go to the Yarl family or their church.
On Tuesday, 1,500 students and staff of the school held a unity walk in support of the teenager.
President Biden, who spoke to Ralph and his family by phone, has invited him to the White House when he's sufficiently recovered.
He tweeted: "No parent should have to worry that their kid will be shot after ringing the wrong doorbell. We've got to keep up the fight against gun violence.
"And Ralph, we'll see you in the Oval once you feel better."
Related TopicsRelated Topics
MissouriMissouri
US gun violenceUS gun violence
United StatesUnited States