A 15-year-old Ghanaian boy, Javits Frimpong, has been shot and killed while walking to school in the Bronx borough of New York City, sparking grief across the West African diaspora community and raising urgent concerns over school safety and youth violence.
The victim, who relocated from Ghana to the United States just a year ago to live with his father, was ambushed and shot in the stomach around 9:30 a.m. near Crotona Park in the Claremont section of the Bronx. Law enforcement officials reported that the teenager managed to run approximately one block before collapsing. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) has launched a manhunt for three teenage suspects seen fleeing the scene wearing black sweatshirts and blue surgical masks.
In an emotional response following the incident, the victim’s father, Thomas Frimpong, revealed that his son had been suffering persistent harassment at school, suspecting the fatal attack was linked to ongoing bullying.
”The principal told me Javits is innocent. He was defending himself,” Thomas Frimpong stated. “My son was precious, very clever, quiet, and reserved. Two boys were fighting with my son recently and got suspended. He told me, ‘Dad, anytime I am going to lunch, that guy keeps on bullying me.’ I don’t think they are going to go free for killing an innocent child.”
The tragedy has drawn sharp condemnation from neighborhood residents and advocacy groups, who are demanding stricter safety protocols around school corridors and expanded community programs to curb youth violence.
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