A 15-year-old Ghanaian teenager, Javits Frimpong, has been shot dead while walking near his school in the Bronx borough of New York City, United States, leaving his family devastated and raising concerns about the safety of young people.
The teenager was shot on the morning of Thursday, October 29, 2026, near the intersection of East 171st Street and Crotona Place in the Claremont section of the Bronx, according to reports from the New York Police Department (NYPD).
Police said the shooting occurred shortly before 9:30 a.m. as Javits was walking in the area. He sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen and was rushed to a nearby hospital by responding officers but later died from his injuries.
The incident has triggered an investigation, with authorities searching for three teenage boys believed to have been involved in the fatal shooting.
The case has attracted attention in Ghana following reports, which identified the deceased as a Ghanaian immigrant who had moved to the United States approximately one year ago to reunite with his father. Editorial Ethics & Independence
Police Search for Three Teenage Suspects
Authorities are looking for three individuals believed to be between 16 and 18 years old in connection with the shooting.
According to information released by police, the suspects were last seen wearing black clothing and blue surgical masks. They reportedly fled the scene after the shooting.
A source reported that surveillance footage showed an individual matching the description of one of the suspects fleeing the area. Police also indicated that the victim managed to run approximately one block after being shot before collapsing. Corrections Policy
Investigators have been examining the scene, speaking with witnesses and reviewing available surveillance footage as they work to establish what happened.
As of the latest reports, no arrests had been announced, and the motive for the shooting remained unclear.
The NYPD is appealing to anyone with information about the incident to assist investigators through its Crime Stoppers channels.
Father Raises Concerns Over Alleged Bullying
Beyond the circumstances surrounding the shooting, the teenager’s father, Thomas Frimpong, has raised concerns about alleged bullying his son experienced at school before his death.
Speaking to CBS News New York, the grieving father said he received information about the shooting from the principal of his son’s school, Dreamyard Preparatory.
He explained that the school principal had contacted him a few days before the incident following an altercation involving his son and two other students.
According to Thomas, the two students were suspended after the confrontation.
He further disclosed that Javits later opened up about repeated bullying incidents, particularly during lunchtime, and said he had complained about the behaviour on several occasions.
The father recounted that his son had told him: “Any time I am going to lunch, that guy keep on bullying me.” Editorial Standards
Thomas said the teenager had previously been reluctant to discuss the experiences but eventually confided in him about the difficulties he was facing.
However, the alleged bullying has not been established as a motive for the fatal shooting. Investigators have not publicly confirmed whether the incident was connected to the reported school disputes.
CBS News New York also contacted Dreamyard Preparatory and the New York City Department of Education for comments on the father’s allegations, but no immediate response had been received at the time of its report.
Ghanaian Teen Had Moved to the US a Year Earlier
Javits had reportedly relocated from Ghana to the United States approximately one year before his death to join his father.
Thomas described his son as quiet and reserved, recalling the emotional pain of losing him at such a young age.
Speaking after the incident, he struggled to come to terms with the loss, describing the teenager as everything to him.
His comments have drawn sympathy from members of the Ghanaian community and residents of the Bronx, many of whom have expressed shock over the death of a young student who was reportedly going about his normal school routine when the shooting occurred.
Residents interviewed by local media also expressed concern about the incident and its implications for children and families living in the neighbourhood.
Community Calls for Justice
The fatal shooting has renewed concerns about gun violence and the safety of students in New York, particularly those who travel to and from school without adult supervision.
Thomas has appealed to the individuals responsible for his son’s death to surrender to the police and face justice.
The incident has also drawn attention to the importance of addressing bullying in schools.
While there is currently no confirmed connection between the alleged bullying and the shooting, the father’s account highlights the need for schools to take students’ complaints seriously and ensure that concerns about intimidation and physical confrontations receive appropriate attention.
School authorities, parents and community leaders play important roles in creating environments where young people feel safe enough to report problems and seek help.
For now, the investigation into Javits Frimpong’s death remains ongoing as police continue their search for the three suspects.
The teenager’s death represents a painful loss for his family and the Ghanaian community, with many awaiting further information about the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the identification of those responsible.