Kansas City man charged in Ralph Yarl shooting unfit for trial, attorneys argue

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A man awaiting trial for shooting a Northland teenager in the head and arm last year may not be fit to stand trial, according to his attorneys.

Andrew Lester’s defense team filed a motion Aug. 27, asking a judge to order their 85-year-old client to undergo a mental health exam.

According to the request, Lester’s attorneys said they have noticed a “significant decline” in Lester’s overall physical health and mental acuity over the past year.

The motion says Lester has issues ing key facts about the case. The attorneys say Lester’s mental state is making it difficult for him to help prepare for trial that is scheduled to begin in October.

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As for his physical health, the motion states that Lester boke his hip, has heart issues, and had been hospitalized in the 16 months since the shooting.

The attorneys argue some of the issues are because of the attention, death threats, and stress Lester has experienced since the shooting. He is also isolated and currently living alone.

Lester is charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action in the April 11, 2023, shooting that injured Ralph Yarl.

Yarl accidentally rang Lester’s doorbell thinking it was a home where his younger brothers were visiting.

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Yarl survived the, but suffered a traumatic brain injury. His family said he had to relearn many skills following the shooting.

The Yarl family also filed a civil lawsuit against Lester. That lawsuit is pending. The family has also said they believe it is important for Lester to have his day in court for his actions.

Lester pleaded not guilty to his assault charge. He is scheduled to be in court on Friday.

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