15-Year-Old Ghanaian Boy Shot Dead on His Way to School in New York’s Bronx; Father Raises Bullying Concerns
Javits Frimpong, who moved from Ghana to the United States about a year ago, was fatally shot in broad daylight as police search for three teenage suspects.
By: Ebenezer Adugyamfi & Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada
30 OCTOBER 2026
A 15-year-old Ghanaian boy has been shot dead while walking to school in the Bronx borough of New York City, United States, in a tragic incident that has left his family devastated and raised concerns about bullying and youth violence.
The victim, identified as Javits Frimpong, was shot in the abdomen shortly before 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 29, near East 171st Street and Crotona Place in the Claremont neighbourhood of the Bronx, according to reports citing the New York Police Department (NYPD).
Police officers transported the teenager to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Authorities are searching for three teenage suspects believed to have fled the scene after the shooting. The suspects were reportedly wearing black clothing and blue surgical masks.
As of the latest reports, no arrests had been announced, and investigators had not established the motive for the attack.
Teenager had moved from Ghana to join his father
Javits had reportedly moved from Ghana to the United States approximately one year ago to live with his father, Thomas Frimpong.
His father described him as a quiet boy who generally kept to himself and was devastated by the news of his death.
Thomas said he received the shocking news from the principal of his son’s school, Dreamyard Preparatory, informing him that the teenager had been shot.
Speaking to CBS News New York, the grieving father struggled to describe the loss, saying his son meant everything to him.
He said he rushed to the hospital after receiving the information but was later informed that Javits had died.
Father alleges son had complained about bullying
The circumstances surrounding the shooting have also brought attention to allegations of bullying at the teenager’s school.
According to Thomas, his son had previously complained about being bullied by another student, particularly during lunch breaks.
The father said the school’s principal had contacted him a few days before the shooting following an incident involving two students who allegedly fought with Javits.
He said the two students were subsequently suspended.
Thomas further disclosed that his son had told him he had repeatedly reported the alleged bullying.
However, authorities have not confirmed that the reported bullying incidents were connected to the fatal shooting. Investigators are yet to establish what led to the attack.
The school and the New York City Department of Education had not immediately responded to questions from CBS News concerning the father’s allegations at the time of its report.
Police search for three teenage suspects
The NYPD is continuing its investigation and searching for three teenage suspects believed to be between 16 and 18 years old.
The suspects were reportedly last seen wearing black clothing and blue surgical masks after fleeing the area.
Police have appealed to members of the public who may have witnessed the incident or possess information that could assist investigators to come forward.
The circumstances leading to the shooting remain unclear, and authorities have not publicly established whether the incident was targeted or connected to any dispute.
Tragedy raises fresh concerns about school bullying and youth violence
The death of Javits Frimpong has renewed concerns about the safety of young people, particularly in and around school environments.
His father’s account of repeated bullying complaints has also highlighted the importance of taking reports of intimidation and harassment among students seriously.
While bullying has not been established as the motive for the killing, the allegations raise questions about how schools respond when students report threats or repeated mistreatment.
For families, educators and communities, the tragedy is a reminder of the importance of listening to young people, addressing reports of bullying and ensuring that students have safe channels to seek help.
As police continue their investigations, Javits’ family is left mourning the loss of a 15-year-old whose life was cut short while reportedly doing something as ordinary as going to school.
The investigation remains ongoing.
