The family of a Black teen, who was shot by a white homeowner after wrongly going to the mistaken address in Kansas City, Missouri, filed a lawsuit on Monday.
Family of Black Teen Who Was Shot Files Lawsuit
The family's attorney, Lee Merritt, described it as an attempt to exert pressure on the criminal trial later this year against the homeowner, Andrew Lester, 84.
The lawsuit, filed by Cleo Nagbe on behalf of her son, Ralph Yarl, alleges negligence on Lester's part for shooting the 16-year-old without warning more than a year ago.
Yarl suffered lasting wounds and pain as a direct outcome of Lester's actions, according to the accusation. Lester pleaded not liable in September 2023, and the trial is set to begin on October 7, 2024.
Merritt stated that the civil suit aims to empower the family in seeking justice for Ralph during the criminal proceedings. Yarl had mistakenly gone to pick up his siblings but rang the wrong doorbell.
He testified that he was shot by Lester after reaching for the storm door as Lester opened the inner door. Nagbe, in a statement, highlighted the societal concerns raised by the shooting.
The lawsuit also names the homeowner's association, Highland Acres Homes Association, Inc., as an accuser. Merritt acknowledged possible delays in the litigation pending the results of the criminal case but highlighted the family's commitment to seek justice.
Lester's attorney, Steven Salmon, ignored to comment on the lawsuit, saying he was unaware of it. The civil suit precedes Lester's criminal trial, set for October 7.
Despite Challenges, Ralph Yarl Stays Dedicated to His Academic Endeavors
Yarl, who suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), has faced difficulties in his recuperation and academic performance since the circumstances. The lawsuit seeks financial compensation and legal fees.
The complaint also accuses the homeowner's association of negligence for failing to educate residents about firearm dangers and for not providing aid to Yarl after the shooting.
Despite the ordeal, Yarl remains focused on his studies and musical pursuits, aiming to define himself beyond the shooting incident.
Lester faces liability for first-degree attack and armed criminal action, with a possible sentence of life in prison if guilty. The shooting prompted a national outcry and reignited debates over "stand your ground" laws.
On April 13, 2023, Yarl went to pick up his younger brothers and mistakenly approached the wrong house, where Lester shot him in the head and arm.
Yarl sought help from neighbors, and police responded to the scene. Despite suffering life-threatening wounds, Yarl was released from the hospital a few days later.
The lawsuit details Yarl's lasting injuries, medical expenses, and other damages, for which his family raised over $3.4 million through a GoFundMe campaign.
Yarl, an accomplished musician, aims to study chemical engineering at Texas A&M University after his recovery.
