Ralph Yarl’s family, attorney discuss civil lawsuit filed against Andrew Lester, HOA

In Liberty, Missouri, Ralph Yarl’s family made a public announcement during a press conference on Monday afternoon, revealing their decision to file a civil lawsuit against Andrew Lester and the Highland Acres Homes Association, Inc. Lester maintained his not guilty plea during a recent docket call related to the shooting of 17-year-old Ralph Yarl.

Yarl’s mother shared their plans outside the Clay County Courthouse, mentioning that despite the challenges, there was a bright spot regarding her son’s future. She joyfully revealed that Yarl is currently considering two colleges as his finalists and will soon make his decision as he prepares to graduate from Staley High School in May.

Reflecting on the events of last April, Yarl expressed his desire to maintain a sense of normalcy and separate the shooting incident from his life as he transitions into adulthood.

The family’s decision to pursue legal action through a civil lawsuit is aimed at ensuring that 85-year-old Lester is held accountable within the justice system. They hope that by initiating this legal process, it will not only seek justice for their family but also raise awareness about responsible gun ownership and the importance of community safety measures.

Their attorney, Lee Merritt, criticized Clay County Prosecutor Zachary Thompson’s handling of the case and emphasized the importance of holding Lester accountable without delay. The family seeks to apply pressure through the civil lawsuit to ensure that accountability is upheld and resources are allocated appropriately.