Bronx Student Shot Dead Walking to School After Recent Suspension
Javits Frimpong, 15, died from a stomach wound near Crotona Park; his father says school officials had just suspended two students for bullying him three days prior.
By Amit Ricci ·
A 15-year-old student walked approximately one block from Crotona Park to his death on Thursday morning. Javits Frimpong was struck in the stomach around 9:30 a.m. in the Bronx, New York, while traveling to school. He collapsed after running that short distance and was transported to a hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead.
Police have not identified the individuals responsible for the shooting. Investigators are actively searching for three teenage boys who fled the scene immediately after the incident. Surveillance video captured at least one person running away wearing a black hoodie, black sweatpants, and a mask. Officers stated that the suspects were dressed in black sweatsuits and wore blue surgical masks.
Thomas Frimpong, the victim’s father, believes the violence was linked to bullying at his son’s school. He told reporters that the school principal contacted him three days before the shooting to report that two students had been harassing Javits. School officials suspended both students for one week following that report. Thomas Frimpong said officials also informed him that Javits was not at fault in a recent confrontation and was instead defending himself.
“The principal told me Javits is innocent. Javits is innocent. He was defending himself,” Thomas Frimpong said. The family is grappling with the loss from two continents. Javits moved from Ghana to New York about a year ago to live with his father. His mother remains in Ghana, creating a distance that makes the mourning process more difficult for the family.
Thomas Frimpong described his son as a quiet teenager who spent much of his time at home. He recalled Javits as a clever young man with a bright future ahead of him. “My son was precious, very clever,” his father said. The final conversation between father and son took place just before they parted ways on Thursday morning. Thomas told Javits to make sure he arrived at school on time.
The community has responded with vigils and gatherings to honor the teenager. Thousands of people have come together to remember Javits Frimpong. The investigation remains open as authorities continue to search for the three suspects. No arrests have been made in the case as of this week.
