Judge sets new trial date for man accused of shooting Northland teen who knocked at wrong door
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The 85-year-old man charged in the April 2023 shooting of Ralph Yarl has a new trial date.
A judge ordered Andrew Lester, accused of first-degree assault and armed criminal action, to appear before a jury trial on Feb. 18, 2025.
He was said to have shot Yarl when the Northland teen knocked on the wrong door in an attempt to pick up his brothers. Yarl suffered a traumatic brain injury and spent months recovering and working to overcome the emotional and mental trauma of the shooting, his family alleged.
Lester’s attorneys said their client was afraid and was defending himself. In September, a judge granted Andrew Lester’s legal team’s request for a mental health examination, delaying the initial start date of his trial - Oct. 7.
On Tuesday, the judge ordered Lester’s new trial date, stating that it would likely be over the span of two weeks. His evaluation will be completed by Nov. 9.
Lester’s attorneys have said they have noticed a “significant decline” in Lester’s overall physical health and mental acuity over the past year. Lester is isolated and currently living alone.
Lester is set to appear in court next on Nov. 26.
ALSO READ: Family of Ralph Yarl files civil lawsuit against Andrew Lester, homeowners association
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