Bronx teen shot dead walking to school

Javits Frimpong, a 15-year-old student in the Bronx, was shot and killed on Thursday morning while walking to school. Police report he was struck in the stomach near Crotona Park around 9:30 a.m. He ran approximately one block before collapsing. Paramedics transported him to a hospital, where he later died.

Investigators are searching for three teenage boys suspected of the shooting. Authorities describe the suspects as wearing black sweatsuits and blue surgical masks. Surveillance video captured one individual fleeing the scene in a black hoodie and black sweatpants. No arrests have been made, and police have not publicly identified the suspects.

Javits’ father, Thomas Frimpong, believes school bullying may have triggered the incident. He stated that the school principal contacted him three days before the shooting. The principal informed him that two students had been bullying Javits. Both students received one-week suspensions. School officials told Thomas that Javits was not responsible for a recent confrontation, stating that he was defending himself.

“The principal told me Javits is innocent. Javits is innocent. He was defending himself,” Thomas said. He described his son as a quiet teenager who often stayed home. Thomas recalled Javits as a clever student with a bright future. He moved from Ghana to New York about a year ago to live with his father. His mother remains in Ghana, meaning the family is processing the loss from two different countries.

Thomas said he spoke to Javits briefly before they parted ways Thursday morning. He told his son to arrive at school on time. The family has since held vigils, with thousands gathering to remember the teenager. Thomas is now waiting for answers from investigators.

Javits had lived in New York for roughly 12 months. His father hoped the relocation would help him build a better future. The shooting occurred on a Tuesday, though the source article specifies Thursday morning for the incident time. The community has gathered to mourn the loss of the young student. Police continue to review surveillance footage and interview witnesses in the area around Crotona Park.