Family of slain Bronx teen Javits Frimpong demands justice after fatal shooting

A 15-year-old Ghanaian student was fatally shot while walking to school in the Bronx. Now, his family is demanding justice as officials work to bring his mother from Ghana for his funeral.

The family of Javits Frimpong is demanding answers after someone shot and killed the teenager in broad daylight. Frimpong, who had moved to New York from Ghana about a year ago, died Oct. 29.

His father, Thomas Frimpong, believes school bullying may have played a role in the shooting. However, police have not confirmed a connection or announced a motive.

Meanwhile, the tragedy has drawn attention from New York City officials and Ghana’s government. Both governments have pledged support as the family seeks justice.

What Happened to Javits Frimpong?

Frimpong, 15, was walking to school Thursday morning in the Claremont section of the Bronx. The shooting happened shortly before 9:30 a.m. near East 171st Street and Third Avenue, close to Crotona Park.

Police found the teenager with a gunshot wound to his abdomen. Officers rushed him to St. Barnabas Hospital in a patrol car.

Authorities initially reported that Frimpong was in stable condition. However, he later died from his injuries.

Surveillance video reportedly shows a teenager running through the neighborhood. Another person dressed in black appeared to chase him. Frimpong collapsed shortly afterward.

Investigators are searching for three people in connection with the killing. Reports described the suspects as teenage males wearing dark clothing and blue surgical masks. They reportedly fled toward nearby Crotona Park.

As of Oct. 31, police had announced no arrests. Investigators also had not publicly established who shot Frimpong or why.

Father Says School Bullying May Have Played a Role

Frimpong’s father said his son had experienced bullying at school before the shooting. The teenager attended DreamYard Preparatory School and was in the 10th grade.

Thomas Frimpong told reporters that his son had complained about students bothering him. He said the school principal contacted him about the situation several days earlier.

According to his father, the principal said two students had been suspended over the bullying complaints.

His father said he spoke with Javits afterward. The teenager reassured him that he was OK.

Additionally, a friend told News 12 that Javits had an altercation with two students at school shortly before his death. The friend described the incident as relatively minor.

However, investigators have not confirmed whether those students had any connection to the shooting. Police have also not established whether the killing stemmed from a school dispute.

His father described Javits as a quiet, clever student. He said his son generally kept to himself and went to school regularly.

The family had moved to the United States with hopes of building a better future. Instead, they now face the devastating loss of a child.

Family of Slain Teen, Javits Frimpong Demands Justice

On Saturday, Oct. 31, relatives returned to the Bronx block where Frimpong was killed. Community members and local leaders joined them for a rally demanding justice.

The African Advisory Council organized the gathering near East 171st Street and Crotona Place. Family members returned to the scene with NYPD officers accompanying them.

Although the family declined to speak on camera, family friend Keymama delivered an emotional appeal. She urged those responsible to surrender to police.

“He was just one year in the United States,” she said. “Guys, if you’re watching me, turn yourself in for us to make peace.”

Community members also called for action to address gun violence among young people. Speakers questioned how teenagers obtained access to firearms.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson spoke about the need to keep illegal guns away from young people. Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark also addressed the gathering.

Clark pledged to pursue the case carefully and hold those responsible accountable. Meanwhile, investigators continue searching for the suspects.

Ghana Government Pledges Support and Demands Justice

The killing has also prompted a response from Ghana’s government.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa spoke directly with Thomas Frimpong on Friday, per Ghana’s ISD. He offered condolences on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama.

Ablakwa pledged that Ghana would work with U.S. authorities to pursue justice. He also assured the family of legal and consular assistance.

“We will pursue justice, and we’ll make sure that those who did this do not get away with it,” Ablakwa said.

Additionally, officials from Ghana’s Permanent Mission in New York visited the family. They offered condolences and expressed the government’s support.

Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for a thorough investigation. It also pledged to coordinate with U.S. authorities to help secure accountability.

The government further promised to cover the travel expenses of Javits’ mother. Officials also said Ghana would contribute toward a dignified funeral.

Trump Agrees to Visa for Javits Frimpong’s Mother

One of the family’s immediate concerns was bringing Javits’ mother to the United States. His mother, Doris Adu Gyamfi, remains in Kumasi, Ghana.

She had been separated from her son by thousands of miles when he was killed. The family wants her to attend his funeral and say goodbye in person.

U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres called on federal officials to help secure a visa. He said the mother should have the opportunity to attend her son’s funeral.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also intervened. On Saturday, he announced that he had spoken with President Donald Trump about the mother’s situation, New York Post reports.

Mamdani said Trump agreed to grant her a visa immediately.

“The murder of a child is a pain no parent should have to endure, let alone from thousands of miles away,” Mamdani wrote on social media.

He added that Javits’ mother deserved to say goodbye to her son in person.

The Associated Press reported that the White House had not immediately confirmed the visa arrangement. However, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said officials would assist Gyamfi with the application process.

The Ghanaian government also committed to paying her travel costs. The support is intended to help her reach New York for her son’s funeral.

Investigation Continues as Family Seeks Answers

Frimpong’s killing has devastated his family and shaken the Bronx community. He had arrived in the United States only about a year earlier.

His father brought him from Ghana to build a new life and pursue greater opportunities. Now, the family is left seeking answers about why someone took his life.

For now, police continue to investigate. Authorities have not announced arrests or confirmed a motive.

Anyone with information about the shooting can contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-577-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted online through the NYPD Crime Stoppers website.

As the family prepares to bury Javits, their message remains clear: They want answers, accountability and justice for their son.

The family has created a GoFundMe fundraiser to help cover funeral expenses and provide support during this difficult time. At the time of this article, the fundraiser has raised $700,000.