Ralph Yarl shooting: Homeowner who shot Black teen faces 2 charges, possible life in prison | FULL

Clay County, Mo. prosecuting attorney Zach Thompson announced on Monday that Andrew Lester, the man who is suspected of shooting 16-year-old Ralph Yarl, has been charged with two felony counts. He faces assault in the first degree, which in Missouri is considered an "A felony" that carries with it a range of punishments — including up to life in prison.

Yarl had been told to pick up his younger twin siblings from a house on 115th Terrace but confused the address, and rang the doorbell at a residence on 115th Street instead, police said. He was reportedly shot by the homeowner while standing in front of the door.

Authorities originally reported Yarl had a life-threatening injury, but he is now in stable condition.

Thompson went on to explain why another charge, such as attempted murder, was not filed, saying that the assault charge is an "A felony", which is the "highest level of offence" and another charge "may not carry that same level." Thompson said there was a "racial component" to the case, though added that a hate crime charge is a lower level.

The prosecutor said the suspect shot twice and hit Yarl once in the head and once in the arm. He said, according to a probable cause statement, Yarl was shot through a glass door and that the 16-year-old had not entered the home.

For more info, please go to https://globalnews.ca/news/9628848/black-teen-ralph-yarl-shot-wrong-house-pick-up-siblings-kansas-city/

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