The shooting of a Kansas City, Missouri, teenager has sparked national outrage and raised questions about the safety of Black youth and their ability to live freely in America without automatically being categorized as a threat.
Ralph Yarl, 16, was reportedly shot twice by a white resident after he rang the wrong doorbell on Thursday, April 13. He is currently in critical condition after suffering gunshot wounds to his arm and head, according to his attorneys. However, no one has been charged with a crime, and police have not identified the resident or his race.
“There can be no excuse for the release of this armed and dangerous suspect after admitting to shooting an unarmed, non-threatening and defenseless teenager that rang his doorbell! We demand swift action from Clay County prosecutors and law enforcement to identify, arrest and prosecute to the full extent of the law the man responsible for this horrendous and unjustifiable shooting,” wrote attorneys Benjamin Crump and Lee Merritt in a statement.
Who is Ralph Yarl?
A GoFundMe started by a woman who identified herself as Ralph’s aunt, Dr. Faith Spoonmore describes the teen as a “fantastic kid.”
He is a member of the Technology Student Association and Science Olympia Team, who also engulfed himself in music. Spoonmore said Ralph is the section leader of his school’s marching band and one of the top bass clarinet players in Missouri. He recently earned Missouri All-State Band recognition with an honorable mention, according to his aunt.
“Ralph can often be found with a musical instrument. He loves them all,” she wrote.
The 16-year-old is looking forward to graduating high school. He plans to visit West Africa before taking up chemical engineering at Texas A&M University.
“When asked how he plans to get into this university, he said, “Well, if they have a scholarship for music or academics, I know I can get it,’” Spoonmore recalled, who is Ghanaian…
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