Missouri Teen Shot Twice After Knocking at the Wrong Door
Two felony counts have been brought against a White man for allegedly shooting a Black Missouri teen who had mistaken his house for another, according to Al Jazeera.
Andrew Lester, an 85-year-old homeowner, has been charged with felony assault and armed criminal action for shooting the 16-year-old boy, Ralph Yarl, who had head and right arm injuries and was taken to the hospital.
Clay County, Missouri's prosecutor, Zachary Thompson, said in a press conference on Monday that the maximum sentence for armed criminal action is 15 years, while the maximum penalty for felony assault is "up to life."
Thompson informed reporters that the "A felony" was the "highest level of offense in Missouri," explaining why attempted murder and hate crime charges were not pursued.
"Other charges may not carry that same level of range of punishment," Thompson said, adding that it has always been his intention to seek justice for the child involved in this situation, and he does not wish to risk that by discussing the facts of the case with the media.
READ NEXT: Missouri: Massive Brawl Involving 150 Teens at Kansas City Theme Park
Missouri Teen Sustained 'Life-Changing' Injuries
The Missouri teen, a clarinetist and bassoonist, who his family calls a "musical genius," was shot around 10:30 p.m. on Thursday and transported to the hospital, said Classic FM.
Although the young musician is claimed to be doing better, he reportedly suffered "life-changing injuries" in the incident.
Yarl's family claims that he is one of the best bass clarinet players in Missouri, and he was just recognized for his talent by being given a second chair in the Missouri All-State Band.
In addition to being a section leader in the school marching band, he performs with the school's Jazz and competition bands and is a member of the Northland Symphony Youth Orchestra.
A large demonstration was organized Sunday night in Yarl's honor in the vicinity of the Missouri shooting, with the slogan "An attack against one kid is an attack against all."
Missouri Teen Released from Hospital
Ralph has been released from the hospital, according to family attorney Ben Crump, who announced on CNN on Monday.
After being shot in the head, Crump said Ralph is still dealing with stress from the event, but he and his family are grateful he is alive.
Ralph is young and strong, so they are optimistic about his prognosis, he said.
"He's not out of the woods yet, but the great thing is, (medical officials) said he was stable enough to go to his home," he added.
The Missouri teen is receiving medical attention from his mother, who is a nurse.
Meanwhile, after some delays, the Missouri shooting suspect, Andrew D. Lester, was arrested and charged with armed criminal activity and first-degree assault.
Class A felony charge is warranted for an assault, said Thompson, and Lester faces a minimum of 10 years and maybe up to 30 years or life in prison if he is proven guilty, NPR Kansas City reported.
READ MORE: Chicago Teens' Massive Mob Clash with Police
This is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Bert Hoover
WATCH: Community demands justice for Missouri teen shot after ringing wrong doorbell - From NBC News