Ralph Yarl, teen shot after going to the wrong house, describes experience in ‘GMA’ exclusive
Introduction
Ralph Yarl, a teenager from Kansas City, Missouri, recently opened up about a harrowing experience in an exclusive interview with GMA co-anchor Robin Roberts. Yarl was shot after mistakenly going to the wrong house to pick up his siblings. The incident took place on April 13, and Yarl’s story sheds light on the terrifying moments he endured and his ongoing recovery process.
The Mistake
Yarl’s mother had asked him to pick up his twin brothers from a friend’s house. However, Yarl had never been to that particular house before and accidentally arrived at the wrong address. He pulled his car into the driveway and proceeded to walk up the steps. He rang the doorbell and patiently waited for someone to answer. Little did he know, he had just stepped into a situation that would change his life forever.
The Confrontation
As Yarl stood on the doorstep, an older man with a gun opened the door. The two were separated by a glass door. Yarl recounted the fear he felt as the man pointed the gun at him. He instinctively braced himself and turned his head away. In that moment, he was shot. The impact sent him sprawling to the ground, on top of shattered glass. Despite the pain and confusion, Yarl managed to get up and start running, shouting for help.
The Injuries
Yarl sustained serious injuries from the shooting. He was shot in the head and in the right arm. The gunshot to his head resulted in a traumatic brain injury. His family shared with ABC News that Yarl underwent surgery and has been on a challenging road to recovery since the incident.
The Charges
Andrew Lester, the 84-year-old homeowner who shot Yarl, was charged with one count of felony assault in the first degree and one count of armed criminal action. The Clay County prosecuting attorney, Zachary Thompson, confirmed the charges during a press conference on April 17. Lester pleaded not guilty and was released on a $200,000 bond. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 31.
The Legal Proceedings
Steven Salmon, Lester’s attorney, stated that the court has issued an order prohibiting the dissemination of information from the discovery by both the prosecution and defense. Violating this order would be a breach of the terms. Salmon expressed that Lester is looking forward to the upcoming preliminary hearing but refrained from making any further statements regarding the case.
Yarl’s Account of the Incident
Yarl described the moments following the shooting. Despite the bleeding from his head and the shock of the situation, he remained surprisingly alert. His instincts kicked in, and he went in search of help. Unfortunately, the first house he approached declined to assist him and locked their door. Yarl had to approach multiple houses before finding someone who opened their door and advised him to wait for the police.
The Impact on Yarl’s Family
Yarl’s mother, Cleo Nagbe, shared her perspective on the traumatic event. She recalled the worry and fear she felt when Yarl didn’t return from picking up his siblings. Nagbe drove around looking for him until she received a phone call from the police, informing her that Ralph had been shot. She immediately rushed to the hospital to be by her son’s side. Nagbe described the entire experience as traumatic.
Conflicting Statements
According to a probable cause statement obtained by ABC News, Lester claimed that he believed someone was attempting to break into his house. Feeling scared, he grabbed a gun before approaching the door. Lester, who is white, stated that he saw a “Black male approximately 6 feet tall” pulling on the door handle and shot twice within seconds of opening the door. He alleged that the Black male ran away, prompting him to call 911.
When police spoke with Yarl at the hospital, he provided a different version of events. He stated that he rang the doorbell but did not pull on the door handle, contradicting Lester’s account. The conflicting statements will likely play a crucial role in the legal proceedings as the case unfolds.
Yarl’s Recovery
Yarl’s aunt, Faith Spoonmore, shared that her nephew initially did not want to return home after the shooting, as it happened in the neighborhood where he lived. However, Yarl and his family have since relocated to a different area. Yarl is currently undergoing therapy and focusing on his recovery.
Despite the traumatic experience, Yarl remains determined to pursue his passions. He has a keen interest in chemical engineering and music. Yarl plays several instruments, including the bass clarinet, saxophone, tenor saxophone, clarinet, and contrabass clarinet. Music has played a significant role in his recovery, providing solace and inspiration during difficult times.
Gratitude and Support
Yarl’s family expressed overwhelming gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they have received since the shooting. Many people have donated to a fund set up for Yarl’s medical expenses, and others have sent letters of support. Nagbe shared that she reads one letter each day and is often moved to tears by the kind words and gestures of strangers. In response, Yarl and his family have been writing thank you notes to everyone who has sent them letters of support.
Seeking Justice
When asked about his thoughts on justice, Yarl emphasized the importance of the rule of law, regardless of race, ethnicity, or age. He stated that he believes Lester should be convicted for the crimes he committed. However, Yarl also mentioned that he has moved past personal hatred towards Lester and is focusing on his own recovery and happiness.
Conclusion
The case involving Ralph Yarl’s shooting continues to unfold, with Lester’s preliminary hearing scheduled for August 31. Yarl’s story sheds light on the devastating consequences of a mistaken address and the long road to recovery that lies ahead. Despite the challenges he has faced, Yarl remains resilient, finding solace in his passions and appreciating the support he has received from the community.