Family of Ralph Yarl, Black teen shot after ringing wrong doorbell, files civil lawsuit

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (WDAF) – The family of Ralph Yarl filed a civil lawsuit Monday morning against Andrew Lester and the homeowner’s association where Lester lives.

The lawsuit alleges the shooting was caused by the “careless” and “negligent” actions of the now 85-year-old and the Highland Acres Homes Association.

It also claims the association had policies prohibiting such an incident but “should have been aware” of Lester’s “access to dangerous weapons and racial animus.”

Lester is charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action in the shooting, which happened on April 13th, 2023.

Yarl, who was 16 at the time, was going to pick up his younger siblings at a home on N.E. 115th Terrace when he mistakenly went to Lester’s home on N.E. 115th Street. Court documents said once Yarl rang the doorbell, Lester shot him.

Yarl survived but sustained a traumatic brain injury. The shooting gained national attention from activists, celebrities, and lawmakers.

Yarl’s family released a statement on Monday:

“Today, on behalf of my son Ralph Yarl, we stand before you to announce a significant step towards justice and accountability. The attorney, Lee Merritt, representing Ralph, has taken the necessary action by filing a civil case in Clay County Court. This incident not only shattered our family but also exposed a critical gap in our societal fabric, where the safety of our children is jeopardized by reckless actions.

Through this civil suit, we aim to spark a dialogue on the importance of responsible gun ownership and community safety measures of using words, not weapons. It’s not just about seeking financial compensation; it’s about holding all parties involved accountable and ensuring that steps are taken to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.

Including the homeowner’s association (HOA) in this lawsuit underscores the importance of collective responsibility in safeguarding our communities. Their knowledge of a potentially dangerous individual in the neighborhood without taking adequate precautions is unacceptable. This case is not just about seeking justice for Ralph but about advocating for systemic changes that prioritize the safety and well-being of all children.

We refuse to let Ralph’s suffering be in vain. His ordeal must serve as a wake-up call for our nation to prioritize child safety and enact meaningful reforms to protect our youth from gun violence. We hope this civil suit will ignite a nationwide movement toward creating safer environments for our children to thrive without fear.

Cleo Nagbe, Ralph Yarl’s Mother”

Lester’s criminal trial is scheduled to begin in October. A court hearing for the civil suit has yet to be scheduled.