Bronx Teen Shot Dead Walking to School
Police search for three masked suspects after 15-year-old Javits Frimpong was killed near Crotona Park, a death his father links to recent school bullying.
By Carlos Rousseau ·
Javits Frimpong, 15, died from a gunshot wound sustained while walking to his Bronx school on Thursday morning. The incident occurred near Crotona Park around 9:30 a.m., interrupting a routine commute for the student who had moved from Ghana to New York about a year prior.
Police reported that Frimpong was struck in the stomach. He managed to run approximately one block before collapsing on the ground. Paramedics transported him to a local hospital, where medical staff pronounced him dead. No arrests have been made, and authorities have not released the names of any suspects.
Investigators are currently tracking three teenage boys who fled the scene. Surveillance video shows individuals running away wearing black hoodies, black sweatpants, and masks. Police stated that the suspects were dressed in black sweatsuits and wore blue surgical masks during the incident. The active search continues across the neighborhood.
Thomas Frimpong, the victim's father, believes the shooting stems from a dispute at school. He said the principal contacted him three days before the shooting to inform him that two students had been bullying Javits. Both students were suspended for one week as a result of that report. Frimpong noted that school officials cleared his son of responsibility in a recent confrontation, stating he was only defending himself.
"The principal told me Javits is innocent. Javits is innocent. He was defending himself," Thomas Frimpong said. He described his son as a quiet teenager who spent much of his time at home and viewed the move to the United States as a chance to build a better future.
The family is grieving across two continents. Javits' mother remains in Ghana, complicating the process of mourning and coordinating with New York authorities. Thomas recalled telling his son to arrive at school on time before they parted ways that morning. He said those words were among their final exchange before the tragedy unfolded.
Thousands of residents gathered for vigils to remember the teenager following his death. The community has expressed widespread grief and is pressing for answers regarding the circumstances of the killing. The investigation into the shooting remains active as police review surveillance footage and interview witnesses.
