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Andrew Lester to stand trial on Oct. 7, 2024, in shooting of Ralph Yarl

Maintains not guilty plea
Andrew Lester Mug New.jpg
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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Andrew Lester, 84, the man who shot Ralph Yarl, 16, twice on April 13, is set to stand trial on Oct. 7, 2024.

Lester maintained a not guilty plea in a hearing arraignment on Wednesday.

During the arraignment, the defense waived the reading of the charges.

On April 13, Yarl was attempting to pick up his younger siblings from a home, but arrived to the wrong address in error.

The teenager was shot and transported to an area hospital in life-threatening condition. Three days later, Yarl was released from the hospital.

The case garnered national attention, with celebrities and activists calling for action.

Lester, a white man, was charged with armed criminal action and first-degree assault charges in the shooting of the Black teenager. The 84-year-old was taken into custody before subsequently posting bond.

The 84-year-old previously plead not guilty on April 19.

On Aug. 31, a Clay County judge ruled that Lester will stand trial. Yarl testified in the preliminary hearing.

RELATED | 'Ralph is Ralph': Yarl family details journey to healing, giving back to other victims

For jurisdictions that utilize the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers Tips Hotline, anonymous tips can be made by calling 816-474-TIPS (8477), submitting the tip online or through the free mobile app at P3Tips.com. Tips leading to an arrest made through the Tips Hotline may be eligible for up to a $25,000 reward.

Annual homicide details and data for the Kansas City area are available through the KSHB 41 News Homicide Tracker, which was launched in 2015. Read the KSHB 41 News Mug Shot Policy.