NBC News; Published By: Deon J. Hampton and Erik Ortiz
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A white homeowner pleaded not guilty Wednesday in the shooting of a Black teenager, Ralph Yarl after Yarl mistakenly rang his doorbell in an attack that has put renewed focus on “stand your ground” laws around the country.
Andrew Lester, 84, appeared briefly before a circuit court judge in Clay County, Missouri, after surrendering to authorities on Tuesday on felony charges of assault in the first degree and armed criminal action. He was released on $200,000 bail later that day.
Lester, wearing a blue and tan jacket and matching pants, was in the courtroom for less than 10 minutes and was surrounded by four guards. He used a cane and limped slowly to the front of the courtroom when his case was called and mumbled his responses to the judge.
The judge ordered him to surrender his passport and said he can’t own a firearm and must have no contact with Yarl. Read more
