KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The defense attorney representing Andrew Lester, the Kansas City resident charged in the shooting of 16-year-old Ralph Yarl on his doorstep in April, asked a Clay County judge to grant a protective order Monday as the 84-year-old continues to face harassment and fears for his well-being.
The attorney, Stephen Salmon, appeared in court on Lester’s behalf to argue an earlier motion that case information should be sealed. He said there has been a “firestorm of inaccurate information” and mass speculation about Lester, saying his client’s right to a fair trial could be compromised otherwise.
Lester did not appear in court Monday. Salmon said Lester has faced health concerns, including a substantial loss of weight — about 40 pounds — since he was charged by prosecutors with two felonies in April.
