Teen arrested in shooting of 15-year-old Javits Frimpong as school bullying allegations emerge
THE BRONX, NEW YORK: A 17-year-old boy has been charged with murder in the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Javits Frimpong, who was killed while walking to school in the Bronx on October 29.
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) announced the arrest on Wednesday, November 11.
The arrest comes as investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the teenager's death, including allegations that he had been bullied at school shortly before the shooting.
Frimpong's father believes the bullying may have played a role in the tragedy.
Earlier this morning, NYPD detectives arrested a 17-year-old male for the murder of 15-year-old Javits Frimpong on October 29, 2026 in the Bronx. He is being charged with murder. The NYPD will be relentless in our efforts to get dangerous people out of our communities, especially when it involves the murder of a 15-year-old boy.
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) November 11, 2026
17-year-old charged with murder of Javits Frimpong
The teenage suspect, whose identity has not been publicly released, faces a murder charge in connection with Frimpong's death, according to the NYPD.
The department announced the arrest in a post on X, stating, "The NYPD will be relentless in our efforts to get dangerous people out of our communities, especially when it involves the murder of a 15-year-old boy."
Frimpong, a Ghanaian immigrant, was shot in the stomach while walking to school. His killing sparked protests and renewed calls from community members to address youth violence and bullying.
Javits Frimpong's father alleges school bullying
The investigation has also drawn attention to incidents at Javits' school shortly before his death.
His father, Thomas Frimpong, said the school's principal had contacted him just two days before the shooting to report that his son was being targeted.
Two students were reportedly suspended following the incident.
🥲 Thomas Frimpong is seeking justice for his 15-year-old son, Javits Frimpong, who was shot and killed on his way to school in the Bronx, New York, on October 29, 2026. Javits had moved from Ghana to the United States just a year earlier to pursue his education. A 17-year-old suspect has now been arrested in connection with his death.
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) November 12, 2026
NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said investigators were examining the alleged bullying alongside other possible leads.
"The alleged bullying is one aspect that we're looking at, as well as some others," Kenny told the New York Post.
He also described the circumstances of the shooting, saying, "All three gave chase. And these cowards shot him in the back. If their intention was to rob him, he dropped his backpack."
Kenny said investigators had found no indication that Javits was involved in gang activity.
"As of right now, all indications are that he was trying to live the American dream," he said.
"He was trying to get ahead by going to school. We have nothing in our investigation to indicate he was involved in any gang activity. Seems like he was just a very good kid."
Trump helps secure emergency visa for Javits Frimpong's mother
The tragedy also prompted intervention from President Donald Trump after Frimpong's mother, who was in Ghana, needed to travel to the United States to attend her son's funeral.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he had spoken with Trump about the situation, and the president agreed to grant her an emergency visa.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has spoken with the parents of 15-year-old Javits Frimpong, offering his support following the arrest announced in connection with their son’s killing. Mamdani stressed the need for accountability and justice for Javits, while his father, Thomas Frimpong, expressed appreciation for the Mayor’s support. 📹 @rachelnoerd #JusticeForJavitsFrimpong #CitiFM #ChannelOneTV
— CITI FM 97.3 (@Citi973) November 11, 2026
"The murder of a child is a pain no parent should have to endure, let alone from thousands of miles away," Mamdani wrote in a November 2 post on X.
"Javits Frimpong's mother deserves to say goodbye to her son in person. I just got off the phone with President Trump, and he has agreed to grant her visa immediately."
