The Missouri man who pleaded guilty in the shooting of a Black teenager in 2023 has died in jail, officials said.
The Clay County prosecutor stated that his office learned about Andrew Lester's passing on Wednesday.
"While the legal proceedings have now concluded, we acknowledge that Mr. Lester did take responsibility for his actions by pleading guilty in this case," Prosecuting Attorney Zachary Thompson said. "Our thoughts remain with both families affected by this tragic incident as they continue their healing process."
Lester, 86, shot then-16-year-old Ralph Yarl in 2023 when the teen mistakenly went to the wrong house and rang the doorbell as he was trying to pick up his twin sibling.
Lester pleaded guilty on Friday to second-degree felony assault.
By changing his plea, Thompson dropped an armed criminal action charge and changed the felony assault from first-degree to second-degree.
Lester was set to be sentenced on March 7.
The Yarl family said in a statement that the news of Lester's family brings "a mix of emotions, but it does not bring justice." The family was seemingly critical of the time it took to bring the case to trial.
"For nearly two years, Andrew Lester never apologized. Instead, he and his attorney used every legal maneuver possible to delay accountability. Now, another Black child harmed by prejudice will never see the man who shot him face the full weight of the justice system," the statement says. "While Lester finally admitted guilt, it came at the very last moment—after two years of stalling. That delay leaves our family reeling."
