Lawyers argue that a Kansas City man charged in the shooting death of Ralph Yarl is not competent to stand trial

KANSAS CITY, Missouri – A man awaiting trial for shooting a Northland teenager in the head and arm last year may not be competent to stand trial, his lawyers say.

Andrew Lester's defense team filed a motion on August 27 asking a judge to order their 85-year-old client to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.

According to the request, Lester's lawyers said they noticed a “significant decline” in Lester's overall physical health and mental state over the past year.

The motion states that Lester has trouble remembering key facts of the case. Attorneys say Lester's mental state is making it difficult for him to prepare for trial, which is scheduled to begin in October.

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As for his physical health, the motion states that Lester broke his hip, has heart problems and has been in the hospital in the 16 months since the shooting.

Attorneys argue that some of the problems are due to the attention, death threats and stress Lester has faced since the shooting. He is also isolated and currently living alone.

Lester is charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action in connection with the April 11, 2023, shooting that injured Ralph Yarl.

Yarl accidentally rang Lester's doorbell because he thought his younger brothers were visiting a house.

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Yarl survived but suffered a traumatic brain injury. His family said he had to relearn many skills after the shooting.

The Yarl family also filed a civil lawsuit against Lester. That lawsuit is still pending. The family has also stated that they believe it is important that Lester be brought to justice for his actions.

Lester pleaded not guilty to assault and is scheduled to appear in court on Friday.

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