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On Sunday, April 16, the family of 16-year-old Ralph Yarl started a GoFundMe after he was hospitalized due to a gunshot wound. According to the Kansas Star, Ralph Yarl was trying to pick up his younger siblings when the incident occurred. The teen accidentally went to the wrong address, which led to a homeowner shooting him in the head.
He is currently in stable condition, albeit with a life-threatening injury.
Trigger warning: This article concerns gun violence. Reader discretion is advised.
In the wake of the incident, Ralph Yarl's family requested $750,000 to help pay for his hospital fees. They have raised over $500,000 of the goal. They added that any additional funds collected in the initiative would be used for a trip to West Africa, college funds at Texas A&M, as well as any other necessary expenses.
The family also said that they are seeking justice, as civil rights activists have noted that Yarl was likely targeted because he is an African-American. The name of the suspected shooter has not been disclosed.
Activists demand justice for Ralph Yarl
According to the Daily Beast, Civil Rights attorneys Lee Merritt and Ben Crump have offered pro bono services to the family of Ralph Yarl. Lee Merritt noted that, shockingly, after shooting Yarl once in the head, the suspect shot the 16-year-old boy a second time while he was lying on the floor.
Faith Spoonmore, the relative who organized Ralph Yarl's GoFundMe, said that Yarl is one of many African American victims who have been harmed due to racial profiling. She described the shooting as a hate crime.
She said:
“He is our miracle. We have heard these types of stories many times, and unfortunately, most black boys are not alive to get another chance."
She also noted:
“This was not an ‘error.’ This is a hate crime. You don’t shoot a child in the head because he rang your doorbell.”
As per Kansas City News, Ralph Yarl is known as a promising student with a keen interest in jazz. He was involved in the Technology Student Association and Science Olympiad, as well as the school's jazz and competition bands.
On the GoFundMe Page, Faith Spoonmore said that the shooting could potentially alter Ralph's life due to physical and emotional trauma, and the family is left uncertain about whether or not the teen can continue to explore his talents and interests.
Spoonmore said:
"Life looks a lot different right now. Even though he is doing well physically, he has a long road ahead mentally and emotionally."
The case currently remains under police investigation. KCTV5 reported that while the shooter was arrested and detained for a period of time, he has since been released from police custody.
