Photo: Getty Images
A white man in his 80s has been identified as the Kansas City homeowner who shot 16-year-old Ralph Yarl, a Black teen who accidentally went to the wrong address to pick up his siblings, per CNN.
The outlet declined to name the man because he hasn't been charged in the April 13 shooting of Yarl.
Two representatives at the Kansas City Police Department detention confirmed that a white man in his 80s with a matching address of the shooting was booked on Thursday (April 13) and released the following day.
Police said the man was released pending further investigation, noting that they have to interview the victim and collect other forensics before bringing charges against the suspect.
Felony suspects can only be held for a maximum of 24 hours until charges are filed, according to reports.
Prior to the shooting, Yarl intended to pick up his siblings at a home on 115th Terrace, but he accidentally went to the residence of the shooter on 115th Street.
The 16-year-old was "shot twice and struck in the head and arm” by a homeowner when he arrived at the wrong pickup location, police said.
Yarl was transported to a hospital where he is currently in stable condition.
Ben Crump, one of the attorneys retained by the Yarl's family, said the teen is "obviously distraught."
“He understands that he could be dead now,” Crump said, per CNN.
Crump told the outlet that the shooting was a case of racial profiling.
“We have been informed by his family that it was a White man who shot their 16-year-old son,” the attorney said. “It is inescapable not to observe the racial dynamics here. If the roles were reversed, how much outrage would there be in America?”
Crump along with Lee Merritt, the family's second attorney, criticized Kansas City officials for releasing the suspected shooter, per NBC News.
"There can be no excuse for the release of this armed and dangerous suspect," the lawyers said.
Reading about Black trauma can have an impact on your mental health. If you or someone you know need immediate mental health help, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
The Black Information Network is your source for Black News! Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.