Ralph Yarl’s family wants to support young victims of gun violence

KANSAS CITY, Mo: The results of Andrew Lester’s mental exam could be released in a few weeks.

The family of Ralph Yarl, a teenager shot and killed after going to the wrong house to pick up his siblings, are waiting to decide whether he will go to trial.

A year and a half later, time hasn’t healed all the wounds, especially Aunt Yarla’s.

“That’s what put me back in the car on the way to Children’s Mercy Hospital, and I prayed, ‘Dear Lord, just let him live, let Ralph just live,'” said Faith Spoonmore, Yarl’s aunt. “I am so sorry that prayers for your family have not been answered.”

Spoonmore knows what her nephew has been through could change the entire family.

“Mommy has to take time off work,” she said. – Bills still have to be paid, right?

The Yarl family — Ralph Yarl (center) with his aunt Faith Spoonmore (left)

This is what led her to create authentic bracelets in collaboration with women from her home country of Ghana, West Africa.

“I hope the funds for this will be enough, if it covers one bill, one mortgage payment and fills the fridge one time, that’s enough,” Spoonmore said. “If it’s for the sacrifice itself, if it involves therapy, if it involves getting what you want, getting money for a concert, if it brings you joy, happiness and makes you feel whole even for a moment, secondly, go for it.”

Hope by Faith Spoonmore is the name of handmade bracelets. Yarl was a supporter of this initiative along with his aunt.

“Ralph loves it, he’s been on board since we went to Ghana,” she said.

The bracelets will be available for viewing in the Java Garage from Tuesday. All proceeds from this year will go to support three young victims of racist gun violence.

You can share your experiences Here to consider.

“America may not have shared your story the way it shared Ralph’s, but you are still just as important as Ralph Yarl.”

“From my mouth to God’s ear,” Spoonmore says

KSHB 41 recently spoke with Cleo Nagbe, Ralph’s mother, about the next trial delay.

The hearing is currently scheduled for February 24, 2025.

The November hearing, which may reveal the results of Lester’s mental examination, may decide whether the trial goes ahead.

“I’m praying,” Spoonore said. “It’s like I’m one of those people who likes positive vibes, positive vibes from my mouth to God’s ear.”

Yarl, who was a student at Staley High School when he was shot, is now a student at Texas A&M. Spoonmore provides updates on its progress on its website.

While they continue to show families that there is room for hope, Ralph’s family tries to hold on to theirs despite all the uncertainty.

“Given everything that is happening so far, there is a thin line of hope,” Spoonmore said. he said. “Mr. Lester is an old man and Ralph is a young boy who has to come to terms with it. “Ralph deserves a college life where he doesn’t have to fear an upcoming case.”

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KSHB 41 reporter Alyssa Jackson covers parts of Johnson County, including the Overland Park, Shawnee and Mission neighborhoods. Share your story idea with Alyssa.