Family describes black teen shot in head as “walking miracle”
In a tragic case of mistaken identity, 16-year-old Ralph Yarl was shot in the head by an 84-year-old White homeowner, Andrew Lester, for ringing the wrong doorbell.
According to CNN, Ralph’s attorneys have reported that the teenager is receiving a positive prognosis, but faces a long road to recovery.
In a recent Instagram post by activist and family spokesperson, Shaun King, Ralph was seen seated on a bench with attorney Lee Merritt in a new photo.
King describes the teenager as a “WALKING MIRACLE with a head of steel. Had the bullet hit his head a fraction of an inch in any other direction he would probably be dead right now.”
Andrew pleaded not guilty to charges of assault in the first degree and armed criminal action on Wednesday. As part of his bond conditions, he is required to pay $200,000 bail and must report to the police within 24 hours and once a month afterwards.
He is not allowed to possess any weapons, must surrender his passport, remain in Missouri, and cannot have any contact with Yarl or his family members. The judge has adjourned the court proceeding until June 1.
According to Ralph’s family, the teenager was trying to pick up his siblings but mistakenly went to the wrong address and rang the man’s doorbell.
The probable cause document obtained by CNN stated that the homeowner opened fire through a locked glass door without exchanging any words because he was “scared to death” due to the boy’s size.
This tragic incident has raised concerns about racial profiling and gun violence.