Javits Frimpong moved from Ghana to New York for a better education. Three months later, police arrest a teen suspect for his murder
“I need justice for my child.”
A 17-year-old male suspect is now in custody and facing murder charges following the death of 15-year-old Javits Frimpong. According to ABC News, police apprehended the teen early on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, and brought him to the 42nd Precinct for questioning. This arrest marks a major update in the investigation into the shooting that took place in the Bronx last month.
Javits moved to the United States from Ghana to pursue a better education and reunite with his father, who works as a taxi driver. He had been living in New York for about three months when his life was cut short. The young student was on his way to DreamYard Preparatory School on October 29 when he was shot in the stomach near Crotona Park.
Officers arrived at the scene at approximately 9.24 a.m. after receiving reports of the shooting. Despite being rushed to St. Barnabas Hospital, Javits was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The NYPD has been working to piece together the events of that morning
Surveillance video reportedly captured a person in a black sweatsuit and mask running from the area. Another camera angle appeared to show masked individuals in dark clothing fleeing the scene. Authorities had been searching for three teenage boys potentially connected to the incident.
While this 17-year-old suspect is now charged with murder, manslaughter, and criminal possession of a weapon, police have not ruled out the possibility of further arrests. It is not yet clear if the victim and the suspect knew each other.
The NYPD commented on the arrest on X, stating, “The NYPD will be relentless in our efforts to get dangerous people out of our communities, especially when it involves the murder of a 15-year-old boy.” Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny described the incident as a “senseless act of violence.” Kenny also noted that all indications point to Javits being a good kid.
The tragedy has left a mark on the local Ghanaian community
The student body at DreamYard Preparatory School is deeply shaken too. At a press conference on Wednesday, Javits’ parents shared their grief and their desire for answers. His mother, Doris Gyamfi, who traveled from Ghana to mourn her only child, expressed her heartbreak through tears. “I need justice for my child,” Gyamfi said. “That’s all, I have only one child.”
His father, Thomas Frimpong, recalled the excitement his son felt about his move to the United States. “I brought Javits from Ghana to continue his education here in the United States… He was very, very, very excited,” Thomas Frimpong said. “Unfortunately, on the 29th day of October, I was at work when I heard that my son had been shot.” According to The Guardian, Thomas described his son as a quiet and clever boy.
A major focus of the ongoing investigation is the possibility that bullying played a role in the shooting. The family stated that Javits had informed them he was being bullied at his school. Chief Kenny confirmed that the police are looking into these claims. He said, “We’re working with the [New York City Public Schools] Department of Education to verify that.”
An NYC Public Schools spokesperson noted they will continue to work with the NYPD as the investigation proceeds. DreamYard Preparatory School has not provided a comment at this time.
Ben Crump demands equal justice
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump is representing the family and joined them at the press conference. He emphasized the importance of holding those responsible accountable for their actions. “We want these, apparently, kids who murdered Javits to be held fully accountable under the law, because that is equal justice,” Crump said.
In a statement, he added, “A juvenile suspect has reportedly been charged in connection with Javits’ killing. While these charges mark an important step toward accountability, the questions remain: Why did this happen, and could it have been prevented? His family deserves answers and justice.”
The impact of this loss has resonated across the city. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani had released a statement on X regarding the support the family received. He mentioned that President Donald Trump told him Javits’ mother was granted a visa to travel to the United States for her son’s funeral. “The murder of a child is a pain no parent should have to endure, let alone from thousands of miles away. All of New York City is mourning this tragedy,” Mamdani had said.
In the days following the shooting, the community came together to honor Javits. A rally was held in the Bronx, drawing hundreds of people who gathered to mourn the teenager and call for unity. As the legal process begins for the 17-year-old suspect, the family continues to search for clarity regarding the events that led to the death of their son.
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