Andrew Lester, aged 86, died shortly after pleading guilty to second-degree assault for the 2023 shooting of Ralph Yarl, a Black honor student. Just days before his sentencing, the Clay County prosecutor noted Lester's death but offered no cause or conducted an investigation. Yarl's family expressed dismay, emphasizing the delays in justice they faced. The incident has sparked national discussions on race and gun legislation, highlighting systemic issues in America as they lamented their inability to see true justice for Ralph Yarl.
What happened was one of the reasons they had pushed for a speedy trial. Now, another Black child harmed by prejudice will never see the man who shot him face the full weight of the justice system.
The news release offered no cause of death. Kansas City police said they weren't conducting a death investigation, and Lester's attorney informed the prosecutor's office of his passing.
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