Ralph Yarl's family sues Andrew Lester, homeowners association in wake of teen's shooting

In the lawsuit filed Monday, Yarl’s family contends the teen never posed or issued a threat to Lester, nor did the Yarl do anything to warrant Lester brandishing a firearm and shooting him. His family contends that Lester shot the teen multiple times without warning or being provoked, seriously injuring Yarl.

They contend the Highland Acres Homes Association was aware or should have been aware of Lester’s propensity for violence, access to dangerous weapons and racial prejudice, according to lawsuit. Yarl’s family also contends the homeowners association failed to warn him about the danger Lester posed and failed to keep Lester from causing harm to the teen.

Yarl’s family contends that Lester was careless and negligent by failing to speak with and determining the reason Yarl was at the home, by displaying and pointing a firearm at the teen and by shooting the unarmed teen without giving prior warning. The lawsuit also contends that Lester was careless and negligent in not giving aid to Yarl after shooting him.

The family contends the homeowners association was careless and negligent in part by creating an atmosphere where Lester could shoot Yarl after ringing Lester’s doorbell and failing to inform or educate Lester about the dangers of firing a gun within the grounds of the homeowners association.

Yarl’s family seek an unspecified amount in excess of the court’s jurisdictional limit, plus court costs.

Yarl’s local counsel Clinton Adams Jr. filed the lawsuit in Clay County Circuit Court and it was assigned to Judge Shane Terril Alexander. Attorneys Lee Merritt and Cannon D. Lambert Sr. are also listed as representing Yarl’s family.

‘Wake-up call ... to prioritize child safety’

The lawsuit is a “significant step towards justice and accountability,” said Nagbe in a written statement. Ralph Yarl is being represented by Merritt, a civil rights attorney.

“This incident not only shattered our family but also exposed a critical gap in our societal fabric, where the safety of our children is jeopardized by reckless actions,” Nagbe said in a written statement.

“Through this civil suit, we aim to spark a dialogue on the importance of responsible gun ownership and community safety measures of using words, not weapons,” Nagbe said. “It’s not just about seeking financial compensation; it’s about holding all parties involved accountable and ensuring that steps are taken to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.”

The family included the homeowners association in the suit because it knew of a potentially dangerous person in the neighborhood and didn’t take adequate precautions, according to the statement.

“We refuse to let Ralph’s suffering be in vain,” Nagbe said. “His ordeal must serve as a wake-up call for our nation to prioritize child safety and enact meaningful reforms to protect our youth from gun violence. We hope this civil suit will ignite a nationwide movement toward creating safer environments for our children to thrive without fear.”