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'Justice for Ralph': Classmates of Ralph Yarl who was shot for ringing doorbell hold 'unity walk' in his support following hospital release

This comes after the Ralph Yarl, 16, who was shot twice by Kansas City resident Andrew Lester ,84, after ringing his doorbell, was released from the hospital

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI: Approximately 1,500 students of Staley High School joined in a "unity walk" to voice their support for high school junior Ralph Yarl on Tuesday, April 18. This comes after the 16-year-old, who was shot twice by 84-year-old Kansas City resident Andrew Lester after ringing his doorbell, got released from the hospital. The tragedy took place after the teen ended up at the wrong address while looking to pick up his siblings on Thursday night, April 13. 

As Yarl now begins his road to recovery, community members gathered to demand justice for their fellow classmate on his behalf. "This display of unity is intended to support Ralph in his recovery and have a positive impact on the community," Susan Hiland, a spokesperson for North Kansas City Public Schools, told KSBH. The outlet revealed that the students walked around the school campus, chanting "We love you, Ralph," and "Justice for Ralph." Moreover, a shade of blue in the participants' attire was prominent to honor Yarl's favorite color. Individuals were also dressed in spirit wear. 

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'Ralph is an excellent student'

"Ralph is an excellent student and a talented musician. He maintains a stellar GPA while taking mostly college-level courses. While he loves science and hopes to pursue that career path, his passion is music. Thankfully, we know he is now recovering alongside family," said Dr Dan Clemens, North Kansas City Schools Superintendent, in a statement posted on the NKC Kansas City Schools' website. 

'He is in very good hands'

Yarl's mother Cleo Nagbe and her attorney Lee Merritt appeared on CBS Mornings on Tuesday, April 18, to provide an update on the teen's medical status following his release from the hospital. "Ralph is doing considerably well. Physically, mornings are hard. But his spirits are in a good place. I borrowed from his spirits. He is in very good hands," Nagbe shared. "He's home, but I want to remind everybody that Ralph is home because he's surrounded by a team of medical professionals. I'm a nurse for almost 20 years. His aunt is a physical therapist. His uncle is a medical professional. That's why he's home."

Lester released on bond

Following the incident, Lester was taken into custody on the charges of first-degree assault and armed criminal activity. The Clay County Sheriff's Office shared on Twitter that he “surrendered” at their detention center on Tuesday and was released after posting a bond.