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Kansas City retiree who shot Ralph Yarl, Black teen who mistakenly rang his doorbell, pleads guilty to lesser charge

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Kansas City retiree who shot Ralph Yarl, Black teen who mistakenly rang his doorbell, pleads guilty to lesser charge


An 86-year-old Kansas City man pleaded guilty Friday to a lesser charge in the 2023 shooting of Ralph Yarl, a Black honor student who rang his doorbell by mistake.

Andrew Lester, who is White, was scheduled to stand trial next week on charges of first-degree assault and armed criminal action in the shooting of the then-16-year-old, who survived and has since graduated from high school.

As part of a plea deal, Lester pleaded guilty to second-degree assault. Lester, who will be sentenced on March 7, was hunched over as he was wheeled into the courtroom, his hands folded.

Andrew Lester appears in court
File photo: Andrew Lester appears in court to answer charges of first-degree assault and armed criminal action, April 19, 2023, in Liberty, Mo.

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KMBC via AP, Pool


The charge carries a sentence of up to seven years in prison, compared to first-degree assault, which carries a sentence of 15 to 30 years, depending on the circumstances. One of the key elements of second-degree assault is that defendants “have the burden of injecting the issue of influence of sudden passion arising from adequate cause.”

“This is probably perceived as some middle ground, and the heat of passion would be what was the motivation for the shooting,” said J.R. Hobbs, a Kansas City defense attorney who is not involved in the case. “If he was afraid or whatever, it may not rise to a full defense. The parties might agree to that because on one hand, it’s a felony conviction — no trial, no possible appeal. On the other hand, with a lesser statutory limit, the defendant’s exposure is less as well.”

Ralph Yarl
Kansas City high school student Ralph Yarl was shot on the front porch of this home when went to the house by mistake in an attempt to pick up his twin siblings.

Christopher Smith/For The Washington Post via Getty Images

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Yarl showed up on Lester’s doorstep on the night of April 13, 2023, after he mixed up the streets where he was supposed to pick up his twin siblings.

Lester’s attorney, Steve Salmon, has long argued that Lester was acting in self-defense and that he was terrified by the stranger who knocked on his door as he settled into bed. Authorities say Lester shot Yarl twice: first in the head, then in the arm.

The shooting shocked the country and renewed national debate about gun policies and race in the U.S.

Yarl testified at an earlier hearing that he rang the bell and then waited for someone to answer for what seemed “longer than normal.” As the inner door opened, Yarl said, he reached out to grab the storm door.

“I assume these are my brothers’ friends’ parents,” he said.

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He said Lester shot him in the head and uttered, “Don’t come here ever again.” Although the bullet didn’t penetrate Yarl’s brain, the impact knocked him to the ground. Yarl said Lester then shot him in the arm. The teen was taken to the hospital and released three days later.

Kansas City Teen Shot
This undated photo provided by Ben Crump Law shows Ralph Yarl, the teenager shot by a homeowner in Kansas City, Mo. 

Ben Crump Law via AP


His family said the shooting took a big emotional toll and they have filed a lawsuit against the retired aircraft mechanic.

Salmon said last year that Lester’s physical and mental condition had deteriorated. He said Lester has had heart issues, a broken hip and has been hospitalized. Lester also has lost 50 pounds (23 kilograms), which Salmon blamed on the stress of intense media coverage and death threats he subsequently received.

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A judge had previously ordered a mental evaluation of Lester but allowed for the trial to proceed after its completion. The results of that evaluation were not released publicly.


Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas says Ralph Yarl shooting stems from “culture of fear and paranoia”

07:07

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Kansas City murder suspect added to FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list

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Kansas City murder suspect added to FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list


Woman on the run in connection with Kansas City murder added to FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list

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KaShawn Nicola Roper, who is wanted in connection with a 2020 shooting in Kansas City, should be considered “armed and dangerous,” officials say.

Updated: 11:40 AM CDT Apr 14, 2026

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A woman who has been on the run for years in connection with a Kansas City, Missouri, homicide has been added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. KaShawn Nicola Roper, 50, is wanted for murder after a shooting on Aug. 23, 2020. Roper allegedly fired shots at a vehicle, striking two female victims. One of the victims, 23-year-old Jazmyn Henrion, was killed. Roper was charged on Sept. 10, 2020, with second-degree murder, armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon. At that time, a state warrant was issued for her arrest. A federal warrant was issued on July 1, 2021, after she was charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. More than five years later, Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department Chief Stacey Graves, along with the FBI and the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, announced that Roper was added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted on April 14. Officials say Roper should be considered “armed and dangerous.” She is described as a Black female who is 5 feet, 5 inches tall and approximately 120 pounds. She has tattoos on her left arm, upper right arm, left calf, neck, right wrist, right side of her chest and her abdomen. She has pierced ears. She was born in Kansas and previously lived in Kansas City, but she has ties to Kansas, Nebraska, Texas, Colorado, Georgia and South Dakota. Authorities are offering a $1 million reward for information leading to an arrest or conviction. Anyone with information on Roper’s whereabouts is asked to contact the nearest FBI office or local law enforcement agency. Calls can be directed to 1-800-CALL-FBI. Those outside of the U.S. should contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Tips can be submitted online to tips.fbi.gov. All tips can remain anonymous. Since the inception of the Ten Most Wanted list in 1950, 21 fugitives wanted within the FBI’s Kansas City are of responsibility have been placed on the list. Fourteen of those fugitives have been arrested in the Kansas City region. “When a life is taken in our community, our commitment to justice does not waver. For nearly five years, this case has remained unresolved, and we are continuing to pursue every lead to bring answers to a grieving family,” Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson said. “We are grateful to the FBI for bringing additional tools and national attention to this case. Someone somewhere has information that can help move this investigation forward. We urge anyone with knowledge of KaShawn Roper’s whereabouts to come forward. Your voice could make all the difference for a family still seeking justice.” “This announcement reflects the great collaboration between the Kansas City Missouri Police Department and our federal partners — specifically, the long-standing partnership with FBI, resulting in a safer Kansas City,” Graves said. “A safer Kansas City means holding offenders accountable through arrest and prosecution. For too long, KaShawn Roper has remained a fugitive and avoided accountability. With the assistance of the FBI and the attention brought by her addition to the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, we are confident she will be apprehended. We are committed to ensuring justice is served for the victims and their loved ones.”

A woman who has been on the run for years in connection with a Kansas City, Missouri, homicide has been added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list.

KaShawn Nicola Roper, 50, is wanted for murder after a shooting on Aug. 23, 2020. Roper allegedly fired shots at a vehicle, striking two female victims. One of the victims, 23-year-old Jazmyn Henrion, was killed.

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Roper was charged on Sept. 10, 2020, with second-degree murder, armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon. At that time, a state warrant was issued for her arrest.

A federal warrant was issued on July 1, 2021, after she was charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

A poster shows KaShawn Nicola Roper's photo and lists her as part of the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list.

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More than five years later, Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department Chief Stacey Graves, along with the FBI and the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, announced that Roper was added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted on April 14.

Officials say Roper should be considered “armed and dangerous.”

She is described as a Black female who is 5 feet, 5 inches tall and approximately 120 pounds. She has tattoos on her left arm, upper right arm, left calf, neck, right wrist, right side of her chest and her abdomen. She has pierced ears.

She was born in Kansas and previously lived in Kansas City, but she has ties to Kansas, Nebraska, Texas, Colorado, Georgia and South Dakota.

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Authorities are offering a $1 million reward for information leading to an arrest or conviction.

Anyone with information on Roper’s whereabouts is asked to contact the nearest FBI office or local law enforcement agency. Calls can be directed to 1-800-CALL-FBI. Those outside of the U.S. should contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Tips can be submitted online to tips.fbi.gov. All tips can remain anonymous.

Since the inception of the Ten Most Wanted list in 1950, 21 fugitives wanted within the FBI’s Kansas City are of responsibility have been placed on the list. Fourteen of those fugitives have been arrested in the Kansas City region.

“When a life is taken in our community, our commitment to justice does not waver. For nearly five years, this case has remained unresolved, and we are continuing to pursue every lead to bring answers to a grieving family,” Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson said. “We are grateful to the FBI for bringing additional tools and national attention to this case. Someone somewhere has information that can help move this investigation forward. We urge anyone with knowledge of KaShawn Roper’s whereabouts to come forward. Your voice could make all the difference for a family still seeking justice.”

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“This announcement reflects the great collaboration between the Kansas City Missouri Police Department and our federal partners — specifically, the long-standing partnership with FBI, resulting in a safer Kansas City,” Graves said. “A safer Kansas City means holding offenders accountable through arrest and prosecution. For too long, KaShawn Roper has remained a fugitive and avoided accountability. With the assistance of the FBI and the attention brought by her addition to the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, we are confident she will be apprehended. We are committed to ensuring justice is served for the victims and their loved ones.”



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Multiple communities report damage, 3 people injured after tornado-producing storms

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Multiple communities report damage, 3 people injured after tornado-producing storms


KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Multiple communities in Kansas have had damage after reported tornadoes and severe storms.

The city of Ottawa, Kansas, says that after the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning at approximately 7:25 p.m. on Monday, April 13, a storm caused structural damage.

Hillsdale Kansas suffered storm damage from possible tornado-producing storm.

Officials say that 3 people suffered minor injuries at a home with significant damage east of Ottawa, in Franklin County. The city says that no injuries or fatalities have been reported within city limits.

Officials say the majority of the town is without power, and streetlights aren’t working. KCTV reported that Main St. from 1st to 6th does have lights back on, as of 10:36 p.m.

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Ottawa USD 290 has cancelled school on Tuesday, April 14, due to the storm aftermath.

Multiple buildings in Hillsdale, Kansas, were damaged after reports of a tornado.(DJ Inlow)

Officials are asking community members to stay off the roadways and to stay away from downed power lines. They also say that all City and County emergency personnel are responding to the weather event.

Ottawa’s Police Chief asked people to stay home overnight as they work to clear storm debris from streets

At this time, there is no estimate as to when power will be restored in Ottawa.

In Hillsdale, Kansas, a spotter shared a photo of a tornado. Viewer photos show significant damage there, as well.

Storm damage after reported tornado in Hillsdale, Kansas
Storm damage after reported tornado in Hillsdale, Kansas(DJ Inlow)

KCTV5 will make updates as they’re made available.

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Alert Days ahead: Multiple chances for rain, thunderstorms this week in the Kansas City metro

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Alert Days ahead: Multiple chances for rain, thunderstorms this week in the Kansas City metro


There are multiple chances for rain and thunderstorms this week, including two First Alert Weather Alert Days highlighting the potential for severe thunderstorms. The first Alert Day is Tuesday. Most of the morning and afternoon will be dry, warm, humid and windy. After 5 p.m., ongoing thunderstorms across Oklahoma and southern Kansas will begin moving northeast toward Kansas City. The risk of severe weather will increase after that time and continue through 1 a.m. Wednesday, as thunderstorms lift across areas primarily along and east of Interstate 35 in eastern Kansas and central Missouri. The primary threats are large to very large hail and damaging winds. The tornado risk is low. The severe weather potential on Wednesday depends on whether the atmosphere is able to recover and destabilize after Tuesday night’s storms, Wednesday morning rain and lingering cloud cover. A dryline and cold front will approach the region from the west during the afternoon and evening, providing the focus for showers and thunderstorms that may produce large hail and damaging winds. Another cold front will bring renewed chances for showers and thunderstorms Friday afternoon and evening, and with conditions similar to Wednesday in place, there is at least some potential for severe thunderstorms. Please keep in mind that while this is a common and favorable pattern for showers and thunderstorms, most thunderstorms this week will not produce severe weather. That said, sufficient wind shear, lift, instability and moisture on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday will provide an environment where thunderstorms could thrive and support all types of severe weather. Check the forecast twice daily for updates, review your severe weather safety plan and have multiple ways to receive weather alerts.

There are multiple chances for rain and thunderstorms this week, including two First Alert Weather Alert Days highlighting the potential for severe thunderstorms.

The first Alert Day is Tuesday. Most of the morning and afternoon will be dry, warm, humid and windy. After 5 p.m., ongoing thunderstorms across Oklahoma and southern Kansas will begin moving northeast toward Kansas City. The risk of severe weather will increase after that time and continue through 1 a.m. Wednesday, as thunderstorms lift across areas primarily along and east of Interstate 35 in eastern Kansas and central Missouri.

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The primary threats are large to very large hail and damaging winds. The tornado risk is low.

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The severe weather potential on Wednesday depends on whether the atmosphere is able to recover and destabilize after Tuesday night’s storms, Wednesday morning rain and lingering cloud cover.

A dryline and cold front will approach the region from the west during the afternoon and evening, providing the focus for showers and thunderstorms that may produce large hail and damaging winds.

This KMBC 9 weather map shows that severe storms are possible around the entire Kansas City region on Wednesday afternoon and evening.

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Another cold front will bring renewed chances for showers and thunderstorms Friday afternoon and evening, and with conditions similar to Wednesday in place, there is at least some potential for severe thunderstorms.

Please keep in mind that while this is a common and favorable pattern for showers and thunderstorms, most thunderstorms this week will not produce severe weather. That said, sufficient wind shear, lift, instability and moisture on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday will provide an environment where thunderstorms could thrive and support all types of severe weather.

Check the forecast twice daily for updates, review your severe weather safety plan and have multiple ways to receive weather alerts.

This KMBC 9 weather map shows severe storms are possible in the entire Kansas City region on Friday.

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