A 17-year-old boy arrested in connection with the death of Ghanaian teenager Javits Frimpong in New York has been charged with intentional murder, manslaughter, second-degree murder and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon.
This was disclosed by Ghana’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Samuel Yao Kumah, in an interview with 3News on November 11.
Ambassador Kumah urged Ghanaians living in the United States to remain vigilant and law-abiding as they go about their daily activities.
“I would advise that they remain law-abiding and also vigilant and report bullying to the police authorities. Take care of yourself and the Mission, the Permanent Mission and the Consulate are here to help in moments of need,” he said.
Earlier, the New York Post reported that the teenager had been arrested by the NYPD Violent Crimes Task Force, with charges pending at the time.
Javits, a Ghanaian immigrant, was fatally shot in the stomach on October 29 near East 171st Street and Third Avenue while on his way to school, according to the police.
Video footage of the incident reportedly showed the seriously wounded teenager running before collapsing. He later died from his injuries.
His father, Thomas Frimpong, said his son, whom he described as “very quiet”, had been bullied and believed the incidents could be connected to his death.
He said the school principal had contacted him two days before the incident to report the bullying.
“He said two boys were fighting with my son, and the two boys got suspended,” the father recounted.
NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said the previous week that the alleged bullying was “one aspect that we’re looking at, as well as some others.”
He also described Javits as a student who was committed to his education.
“He would come home, do his homework, and then he would jump on his phone periodically,” Kenny said. “But he was very, very into his schoolwork.”
Meanwhile, Ambassador Kumah assured the bereaved family of the Ghanaian government’s continued support, including assistance towards giving Javits a befitting burial.
He said the Permanent Mission had provided consular assistance to the family since the incident and had kept the government in Ghana informed of developments.
“Right from the start of the incident the Permanent Mission has been very supportive. We’ve extended consular support and consular services to the bereaved family and we’ve reported developments to capital. And so as far as the funeral scheduled for next week Friday is concerned, yes, we would continue to work closely with the family to offer the needed support that they deserve,” he said.
The Ambassador also explained that prominent American attorney Ben Crump was selected to provide legal counsel to the family after careful consideration.
“We couldn’t have settled on a more brilliant and a devoted attorney. We are eternally grateful to him. The Government of Ghana has asked me to convey his deepest gratitude to him and also to Reverend Al Sharpton for taking quick action in this matter,” he added.
By:Rachael Djabakie