Classmates of Ralph Yarl at Staley High School are coming together for the teen who was shot once in the head and once in the arm by Kansas City homeowner Andrew Lester.
The 84-year-old Lester shot the 16-year-old after the teen accidentally knocked on his door while looking to pick up his younger siblings at a friend’s address on Thursday.
Meanwhile, community members and classmates held a unity walk supporting the high school junior as he continues to recover. overt reports that upwards of 1,500 students participated in the event and walked around the school’s campus chanting “We love you, Ralph” and “Justice for Ralph.”
Those who participated in the walk dressed in spirit wear and also wore blue to honor Yarl’s favorite color.
“Ralph is an excellent student and talented musician. He maintains a stellar GPA while taking mostly college-level courses. While he loves science and hopes to pursue that career path, his passion is music. Thankfully, we know he is now recovering alongside family,” added North Kansas City Schools Superintendent Dr. Dan Clemens in a statement shared on the district’s website.
On Tuesday, Yarl’s mother, Cleo Nagbe, and her attorney, Lee Merritt, spoke to CBS Mornings and provided a medical update following his release from the hospital.
“Ralph is doing considerably well,” Nagbe said. “Physically, mornings are hard. But his spirits are in a good place. I borrowed from his spirits. He is in very good hands.”
She added:
“He’s home, but I want to remind everybody that Ralph is home because he’s surrounded by a team of medical professionals. I have been a nurse for almost 20 years. His aunt is a physical therapist. His uncle is a medical professional. That’s why he’s home.”
Meanwhile, Lester has been charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action in connection to the incident.
On Tuesday, he reported to Clay County Sheriff’s Office detention center and was released after posting bond the department shared on Twitter.
