…Researched and contributed by Judah Olanisebee.
Actresses Viola Davis and Halle Berry support family of Ralph Yarl, a 16-year-old black teenager, who was shot twice by a white homeowner after mistakenly approaching the wrong address.
Ralph is in critical condition at the hospital, and his family claims that he was the victim of a hate crime.
The Incident:
Ralph Yarl was shot through the glass by a white homeowner after mistakenly approaching the wrong address.
He had been going to collect his two younger twin brothers from a house less than a block away in Kansas City, Missouri.
He reportedly pulled into the driveway of the home at 10 pm, rang the doorbell, and was immediately shot in the head by the white homeowner – who has not been identified.
Support from Viola Davis and Halle Berry:
Actresses Viola Davis and Halle Berry are calling for justice for Ralph Yarl.
Both actresses are putting pressure on Kansas City Prosecutor Zachary Thompson to bring ‘appropriate charges.’
The family of the teenager has retained the services of civil rights attorneys Lee Merritt and Ben Crump, who have represented the families of Trayvon Martin, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and Cameron Lamb.
Protests and Donations: Hundreds of protesters marched outside the home of the suspected shooter on Sunday with the family of Ralph to demand justice for the teenager.
More than $1.1 million has been raised by a GoFundMe account to help Ralph and his family with the medical bills, as he remains in the hospital in a critical but stable condition.
Details of Ralph: Ralph Yarl is known among his peers for his intellect and for being a ‘musical genius.’
He is a junior in high school and is part of his school’s Technology Student Association and Science Olympia Team.
Ralph plays in the marching, jazz, and competition band, and is one of the top base clarinet players in Missouri.
Ralph received a letter from Yale Undergraduate Admissions Board identifying him as a ‘good candidate’ for the prestigious university.
Police Investigation: Police have not brought any charges in the incident and released the suspected gunman after 24 hours.
Police discovered the firearm used in the incident while searching the house, and say there has been a delay in charges being brought to allow Ralph to make a statement.
Investigators will also consider whether or not the suspect was protected within the Stand Your Ground laws.
Commentary: The shooting of Ralph Yarl is another example of the racial injustices that are still prevalent in America.
It is unacceptable that a child could be shot and critically injured in such circumstances.
It is imperative that authorities act swiftly to bring justice to the victim and his family, and ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future.
The support from Viola Davis and Halle Berry, along with the donations and protests, shows the importance of standing in solidarity with victims of racial violence and demanding accountability from those in power.