Evidence found in the criminal case against Andrew Lester will be out of the public eye. Earlier this week, a Missouri judge accepted Lester’s offer to partially seal the case. Lester has reported receiving threats and harassment since shooting Ralph Yarla black teenager, in April.
Lester’s attorney filed protection order in early May. They claim that the media is paying attention to the incident raising concerns about safety and a fair trial. The Clay County Judge agreed on Wednesday (May 31), every ABC news. Evidence will be kept private from the public but made available to prosecutors and defense counsel.
The judge wrote: “This court finds that the evidence introduced and supporting exhibits were included in the evidence, not only forcibly closed, but for good reason.” CNN. “Threats and harassment demonstrate that the Defendant’s life and physical safety are in jeopardy.”
RELATED: Andrew Lester, 84, pleads not guilty to shooting death of 16-year-old Ralph Yarl
In their initial filing, Lester’s attorneys expressed concerns about the integrity of the trial, including creating bias between potential jurors and uncertain witnesses. His house, seen in the picture above, is regularly vandalized with spray paint and eggs, KMBC 9 report.
According to Lester’s attorney, the publicity of the case and subsequent harassment also forced Lester’s wife to leave her nursing home. As for Andrew, his lawyers also insist the 84-year-old man needs police support on any trip.
JUSTICE BE SERVED? Andrew Lester, 84, has been charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal act for fatally shooting 16-year-old Ralph Yarl. According to reports, Yarl went to Lester’s house by mistake trying to pick up his siblings and was shot twice. pic.twitter.com/Uth8QwYF8L
– TheShadeRoom (@TheShadeRoom) April 18, 2023
Teenage shooting victim’s aunt criticizes judge for sealing evidence to protect alleged gunman
Meanwhile, Yarl’s aunt, Dr. Faith Spoonmorespeak KMBC 9 Lester is “evil” and “trying to find a way out.”
“I feel old? I feel fragile? I help the old. I help fragile. That is cruel. That is cruel. It’s trying to find a way out,” Spoonmore said. “And no, you get no sympathy. Not from anyone. You don’t deserve sympathy. We don’t let you pass because of your age. No, because he was fine enough after shooting my nephew to be one of the first 911 calls.
JUST IN: Andrew Lester pleaded not guilty in the fatal shooting of Ralph Yarl, who mistakenly knocked on Lester’s door while trying to pick up his brothers: @fox5dc https://t.co/hp42qGm7cl pic.twitter.com/3HNGNlHOL9
– Shomari Stone (@shomaristone) June 1, 2023
Lester is said to have shot Yarl after the teenager went to the wrong house to pick up his 11-year-old twin. Court documents allege that Lester shot the 16-year-old girl through a glass window. The boy, now 17, was shot once in the head and once in the arm.
Yarl continues to recover from his injuries at home, his family said. However, the teenager’s aunt, Dr Spoonmore, added that he was suffering from debilitating physical pains, not to mention the emotional trauma he endured.
“He is only 17 years old. He’s got his whole life that he’s going to have to fight, that he’s going to have to struggle with, to deal with everything that happened as a teenager,” Spoonmore said.
In light of this decision, we ask the prosecutor to remain vigilant to obtain full justice for Ralph – who is working hard to get back to normal.
– Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) June 1, 2023
Lester plead not guilty on charges of first-degree assault and armed criminal act shortly after arrest, Shade room report. AP reported that he was released after paying 10 percent of his $200,000 bond.
Following Thursday’s court decision, Lester’s preliminary hearing dates are scheduled for August 31 and September 1. ABC News.
