Doctors treating a teenage boy who was shot twice after ringing the wrong doorbell in Missouri say they have no idea how he survived.
16-year-old Ralph Yarl was shot in the head and arm while picking up his younger brothers, with an 84-year-old man charged with assault and armed criminal action; prosecutors claim a racial element to the attack.
Ralph Yarl, who was trying to pick up his younger twin brothers, was shot by 84-year-old Andrew Lester after mistakenly knocking on his door. Lester claimed he thought someone was breaking in, sparking protests when he was initially released by police.
Prosecutors reported that the homeowner, Andrew Lester, fired a .32 revolver without warning or exchange of words, shooting Ralph Yarl. Family attorney Lee Merritt criticized Lester's defense of fearing for his life, calling it unjustifiable to use such force against a 16-year-old boy ringing the doorbell, and the family plans to speak with prosecutors about why attempted murder was not included on the charge sheet.
Despite the incident, Ralph Yarl shared a laugh with President Joe Biden during a phone call, while celebrities and sports stars condemned the shooting. A GoFundMe campaign raised over $2.7m to cover Ralph's medical expenses.