Javits Frimpong, a 15-year-old Ghanaian boy, has died after being shot while on his way to school in the Bronx, New York, on Thursday morning, October 29, 2026. His tragic death has left his family devastated and prompted renewed concern over youth violence in the community.
According to police, the shooting happened at approximately 9:30 a.m. near Crotona Park. Javits was reportedly shot in the stomach but managed to run about a block before collapsing. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Investigators are searching for three teenage boys who reportedly fled the scene after the shooting. The suspects were described as wearing black clothing and blue surgical masks. No arrests had been announced as the investigation continued.
Javits’s father, Thomas Frimpong, believes the shooting may be connected to bullying his son had allegedly experienced at school. Speaking to ABC7 New York, he said the school principal had informed him just three days before the incident that two students had been suspended over bullying allegations involving Javits.
“The principal told me Javits is innocent. Javits is innocent. He was defending himself,” Thomas said, expressing his belief that his son had been caught up in circumstances connected to the reported bullying. Police, however, have not established any link between the bullying allegations and the fatal shooting.
Thomas explained that he brought Javits from Ghana to live with him in New York about a year ago, while the teenager’s mother remained in Ghana. He described his son as a quiet, intelligent and precious child who rarely spent time outside their home.
The grieving father, who works as a taxi driver, recalled that his final words to Javits that morning were a reminder to get to school on time. He said he had no idea that the ordinary exchange would become their last conversation.
The shooting has sparked anger and sadness among residents of the Crotona Park neighbourhood, with community members calling for stronger action to address youth violence. As police continue searching for those responsible, Javits’s family is left mourning the loss of a young life taken far too soon. May he rest in peace.