Elderly Man Accused of Shooting Black Teen Requests Psychiatric Evaluation

The case of 85-year-old Andrew Lester, accused of shooting and injuring a Black teen who knocked on his door by mistake, has taken a new turn as his attorney seeks a psychiatric evaluation for his client. Lester, facing charges of first-degree assault and armed criminal action, allegedly shot then-16-year-old Ralph Yarl on April 13, 2023, after the teen mistakenly arrived at his home looking for his siblings.

Attorney Steve Salmon filed a motion on behalf of Lester, claiming his client may not be competent to understand the legal proceedings against him or participate in his own defense. Lester’s health has reportedly deteriorated since the incident, with mental and physical frailty affecting his ability to move forward in the legal process.

Yarl, who sustained injuries to his head and arm but has since recovered, recounted the terrifying encounter where Lester shot at him through a glass screen door. Initially claiming self-defense, Lester’s attorney now argues his client’s condition warrants a psychiatric evaluation to determine his mental fitness to proceed with the trial.

Prosecutors, however, argue that the defense’s claims do not hold enough weight to warrant an evaluation. Lester’s next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 6, with the trial set for Oct. 7. If convicted, Lester faces up to 30 years in prison for the shooting incident that has shocked the small town community.