Kansas City: Black teen shot ‘in the head’ after going to wrong house to pick up younger brothers

A black teenager in the US was shot in the head after going to the wrong house to pick up his younger twin brothers, his family said.

Ralph Yarl, 16, is in the hospital after a shooting that happened around 10 p.m. Thursday in Kansas City, Missouri.

Police said he went to the wrong house and was shot there.

A GoFundMe page allegedly set up by Ralph’s aunt, Faith Spoonmore, said the boy was shot once in the head and a second time when he fell to the ground.

Ralph’s aunt said the teenager escaped, but had to knock on three different homes before someone helped him.

Police said Ralph was in life-threatening but stable condition.

The homeowner who allegedly shot Ralph was arrested Thursday. He was released pending further investigation.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump told local media that Ralph’s family said the shooter was white.

“It’s inevitable not to acknowledge the racial dynamics,” said Mr. Crump, who represents Ralph’s family.

Officials have not named the alleged attacker or confirmed their race. They also did not confirm how many times the victim was shot or the extent of his injuries.

Mr. Crump has represented families in several high-profile cases, including Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown, as well as Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd.

The police have not yet taken the victim’s statement

Missouri state law allows a person to be detained for up to 24 hours for investigation of a crime. At that point, the person must be released or arrested and formally charged.

In order to arrest someone, law enforcement agencies need a formal victim statement, forensic evidence, and other information to complete the case file.

Due to the teenager’s injuries, the police have not yet managed to take a statement from the victim.

Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said, “I want everyone to know that I am listening to them and understand the concern that we are receiving from the community.”

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The shooting sparked a protest in Kansas City on Sunday, with hundreds gathering outside the home where Ralph is believed to have been shot.

Ralph’s aunt said he was a “fantastic kid” and a talented musician who wanted to study chemical engineering at university.

She wrote: “Life looks a lot different at the moment. Although he is doing well physically, he has a long way to go mentally and emotionally.

“The trauma she has to endure and survive is unimaginable. He is our miracle.

“We’ve heard stories like this many times and unfortunately most black boys aren’t alive to get another chance.

“Ralph deserves the future he dreams of.”

A GoFundMe page raising money for his medical expenses has raised more than $700,000 (£565,000).