Multiple celebrities have voiced their outrage over the traumatic shooting of a Black teen in Kansas City last week.
Ralph Yarl, 16, was hospitalized following the horrific incident which took place at around 10 PM on Thursday (April 13) in Kansas City, Missouri, CNN reports.
According to authorities, the teenager went to the wrong house while picking up his brothers and was shot by the homeowner. A GoFundMe page, believed to have been set up by Ralph's aunt Faith Spoonmore, alleged that he was shot once in the head and a second time after he fell to the ground.
Most shockingly, Yarl's aunt said the boy managed to escape but was forced to knock on three different doors before someone agreed to help him.
Per officials, Ralph sustained life-threatening injuries but was in a stable condition before being released from hospital after four days to continue his recovery at home.
CNN has since reported that white 84-year-old homeowner Andrew Lester has been charged with two felonies - assault in the first degree and armed criminal action. The outlet detailed how Clay County Prosecuting Attorney Zachary Thompson made the announcement early Monday evening (April 17). So far, authorities have issued a warrant for Lester's arrest, though he is not currently in custody.
According to Thompson, there was a "racial component" to the devastating incident. Regarding whether hate crimes charges could be added, Thompson stated that the charges are a lower level of felony and that adding them could constitute double jeopardy.
Taking to Twitter, Academy-Award winning actress Halle Berry wrote about her disgust over the incident, tweeting: "His name is #RalphYarl and I'm sick and tired of this feeling…my heart completely broke when I learned this precious 16-year-old, who accidentally rang the door of the wrong address in an attempt to pick up his siblings, was shot in the head…"
She continued: "…by a man who didn't want him on his property. This innocent child is now fighting for his life. This could be your child. This should NOT happen. Please do something today! Join me and please contact Prosecutor Zachary Thompson…"
Similarly, former Friends star Jennifer Aniston took to Instagram to post about Yarl, urging her followers to contact Thompson and demand that his attacker be held accountable: "Use the contact information below to demand Prosecutor Zachary Thompson make an immediate arrest and bring the appropriate charges."
In a miraculous turn of events, Yarl has now reportedly been released from hospital - having been shot twice in the head and chest. His father Paul told The Kansas City Star that his son was responsive and "making good progress."
Over $2.6 million has also been raised in donations through a GoFundMe, which will go towards Yarl's medical bills and therapy, with the excess being used to pay for his college education and a trip to West Africa.
Our thoughts go out to Yarl's family at this difficult time.
