Homeowner accused of shooting teenager Ralph Yarl pleads not guilty

Ralph Yarl, the teenager shot by a homeowner in Kansas City, Missouri (Ben Crump Law via AP)

An 84-year-old white man accused of shooting Ralph Yarl, a black teenager, in the US state of Missouri has pleaded not guilty during his first court appearance.

Andrew Lester was in court to answer charges of first-degree assault and armed criminal action in the shooting, which has attracted presidential attention and renewed national debate about gun policies.