NATIONAL NEWS

As Ralph Yarl begins his senior year of high school, the man who shot him faces a court hearing

Aug 23, 2023, 9:44 AM | Updated: 10:56 am

FILE - This undated photo provided by Ben Crump Law shows Ralph Yarl. Four months after he was shot...

FILE - This undated photo provided by Ben Crump Law shows Ralph Yarl. Four months after he was shot in the head after showing up at the wrong house to pick up his brothers, Ralph Yarl has begun his senior year in high school. Next week, the man accused of shooting him is in court. Yarl's aunt told the Kansas City Star, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, that the 17-year-old had a busy summer, but was ready for the return to classes. (Ben Crump Law via AP, file)

(Ben Crump Law via AP, file)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Four months after he was shot in the head after ringing the doorbell at the wrong house to pick up his brothers, Ralph Yarl has begun his senior year in high school.

Next week, the man accused of shooting him will be in court.

Yarl’s first day of school was Tuesday. “He was ready,” his aunt, Faith Spoonmore, told the Kansas City Star. “Ralph was ready to just go back to just being a teenager.”

Andrew Lester, 84, pleaded not guilty to first-degree assault and armed criminal action in the April 13 shooting. His preliminary hearing is Aug. 31.

Lester, who is white, told authorities that he shot Yarl through the door without warning because he was “scared to death” he was about to be robbed by the Black person standing there. Yarl was struck in the head and the arm. The case shocked the country and renewed national debates about gun policies and race in America.

Yarl continues to heal from the traumatic brain injury he suffered, but was still able to complete an engineering internship this summer.

Support for Yarl and his family poured in throughout the past few months. A GoFundMe set up on the family’s behalf raised nearly $3.5 million.

The high school musician was also gifted a new bass clarinet — a professional model purchased with donations to a GoFundMe drive set up by a group of U.S. and Canadian musicians.

For the fall, Yarl’s family is planning college trips. They expect to visit the Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Michigan, Texas A&M University and Purdue University. Yarl hopes to study engineering.

He also has an upcoming trip to the White House after President Joe Biden extended an invitation shortly after the shooting. A date has not yet been set.

Yarl and his family will have the opportunity to face his alleged assailant at Lester’s court hearing next week.

“It’s scary,” Spoonmore said.

“In our mind, and in a lot of people’s minds, it’s a simple case and what happened was wrong and it should not have happened,” she said, “and the person that did it should be punished for their actions.”

 

KSL 5 TV Live

National News

The site of the 1956 Cortina Winter Olympic Games’ speed skating venue, Lake Misurina sits at 5,7...

Keira Farrimond and Alex Cabrero, KSL TV

The evolution of speed skating ice: From natural lakes to high-tech oval

How Italy's Lake Misurina, the last natural ice Olympic speed skating venue from 1956 set the stage for record-breaking performances and explore the evolution to modern artificial ice rinks like Utah's Olympic Oval, the 'Fastest Ice on Earth.

6 hours ago

Flowers and a sign are placed outside the headquarters of the U.S. Agency for International Develop...

Ellen Knickmeyer, Associated Press

White House fires USAID inspector general after warning about funding oversight, officials say

The White House fired the inspector general for the U.S. Agency for International Development on Tuesday, several U.S. officials said.

8 hours ago

A Google map now shows the Gulf of America....

Josh Campbell, CNN

‘Gulf of America’ arrives on Google Maps

The body of water formerly known in the United States as the Gulf of Mexico is now listed for US-based users of Google Maps as the Gulf of America.

15 hours ago

Fatima Guzman prays during a church service at the Centro Cristiano El Pan de Vida, a mid-size Chur...

David Crary, AP National Writer

Trump won’t block immigration arrests in houses of worship. Now these 27 religious groups are suing

More than two-dozen Christian and Jewish groups representing millions of Americans have filed a federal court lawsuit challenging a Trump administration move giving immigration agents more leeway to make arrests at houses of worship.

16 hours ago

FILE - President Donald Trump stands with Jordan's King Abdullah II at the White House, June 25, 20...

Zeke Miller, AP White House Corespondent

Trump will host Jordan’s King Abdullah II as he escalates pressure on his Gaza resettlement plan

President Donald Trump will host Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the White House as he escalates pressure on the Arab nation to take in refugees from Gaza as part of his audacious plan to remake the Middle East.

19 hours ago

Luis Rubiales enters court in Madrid, Spain on February 11, where he later testified he recieved co...

Jack Guy and Pau Mosquera, CNN

Former Spanish football chief Luis Rubiales testifies he asked for consent for World Cup kiss

Former Spanish football federation chief Luis Rubiales said Tuesday that he asked Women’s World Cup winner Jennifer Hermoso for permission before kissing her during the on-field medal ceremony for Spain’s victory in 2023.

19 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

As Ralph Yarl begins his senior year of high school, the man who shot him faces a court hearing