Family of Teen Shot in Head at Incorrect Home Files Lawsuit Against Gunman and Homeowners Association
In a seven-page legal complaint filed by Ralph's mother Cleopatra Nagbe at the Clay County Circuit Court in Missouri, Ralph's shooter, Andrew Lester, and the Highland Acres Homes Association, Inc. are accused of reckless and irresponsible behavior.
The lawsuit explains that Ralph, now 17 years old, never posed a risk to Lester and contends that the Homeowners Association was cognizant of Lester's aggressive tendencies, weapon access, and racial prejudice.
CNN attempted to contact Lester's lawyer and the Homeowners Association for their perspectives on the matter on Monday.
Lester, who is 85 years old, has pleaded not guilty to criminal charges of first-degree assault and armed criminal action. His trial is slated to begin on October 7, with an interim release pending.
The unintentional error that led to Ralph's shooting took place on April 13, 2023, when he mistakenly visited the wrong home while collecting his younger siblings. After pressing the doorbell, Ralph was shot in the head and arm.
The racial undertones of the incident have sparked debate about the potential role of racist attitudes in this violent act. This event comes amidst a rash of incidents involving youths who have been shot or killed as a result of visiting the incorrect house, driveway, or car.
Lester was taken into custody immediately after the crime, but was discharged from police custody two hours later. Following a public uproar, he was re-arrested and charged with criminal offenses a week later.
According to the probable cause report, Lester claimed he shot through a locked glass door after opening it and witnessing Ralph pulling on an exterior door handle. Lester told officers he had no prior verbal interaction with the teenager before firing, as per the report.
Lester later stated that he was terrified because of Ralph's size, according to court records. Ralph's loved ones claim that the teenager stood at 5-foot-8-inches and weighed only 140 pounds.
Contrasting Lester's account, Ralph asserted that he never tugged at the door. Instead, he pressed the doorbell and waited a while before a man finally unlocked the entrance and instantly shot him in the head. As Ralph was still lying on the ground, the man then shot him again in the arm.
Ralph, who incurred severe injuries, is predicted to make a full recovery but could potentially experience long-term brain problems.
According to the civil lawsuit, Ralph endured physical discomfort along with short-term and long-term disabilities, compromised normal life activities, was required to spend extensive sums on medical care, and experienced various other losses and damages.
Holly Yan and Virginia Langmaid of CNN assisted in this news report.
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Source: edition.cnn.com
