Days before trial, hearing scheduled for Friday in Andrew Lester case
LIBERTY, Mo. (KCTV) - On April 13, 2023, a Northland teenager was shot after he mistakenly rang a doorbell at the wrong house to pick up his brothers.
Nearly two years later, it appears the criminal case against the shooter will conclude.
The Clay County Prosecutor’s Office announced that 86-year-old Andrew Lester will appear in court for a hearing the afternoon of Friday, Feb. 14. His trial was set to start on Tuesday, Feb. 18.
The AP reported on Thursday that two sources familiar with the case told reporters Lester would plead guilty on Friday. On Thursday, prosecutors said Lester would appear in court Friday, but they did not say why.
Two people familiar with the case who requested anonymity to speak in advance of Friday’s hearing told The Associated Press that Lester will plead guilty. One of those people said he will plead to a lesser charge of second-degree assault.
Lester was charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action for shooting national concern and public outcry, including from former Vice President Kamala Harris, Bernice King, and Halle Berry.
Lester has pleaded not guilty to armed criminal action and first-degree assault charges and remained free on a $200,000 bond.
A press conference will be held after the court hearing, and KCTV5 will provide a live stream.
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