Who is Andrew Lester? The man who shot and wounded 16-year-old Ralph Yarl Identified

The man who shot and wounded 16-year-old Ralph Yarl, a Black teen, after the teen went to the wrong home to pick up his siblings has been identified as Andrew Lester.

Currently, 85-year-old white man, Andrew Lester, has been charged with two crimes in the April 13 shooting of Ralph Yarl, 16, who is Black: assault in the first degree and armed criminal action, Clay County Prosecuting Attorney Zachary Thompson said Monday.

A warrant was issued for Lester, who is not in custody, Thompson said, adding that he didn’t know where Lester was.

Lester’s bond was set at $200,000, Thompson said.

Thompson said there was a racial component to the shooting but declined to elaborate.

Lester faces a maximum punishment of life in prison in the assault charge and three to 15 years for the alleged gun crime, Thompson said.

Thompson said no words were exchanged before Lester allegedly opened fire with a .32 revolver, striking Yarl twice — once in the head and once in the arm.