Javits Frimpong fatally shot walking to school in Bronx; 3 teens sought in shooting

BRONX (WABC) — The manhunt continued Thursday for the gunman who fatally shot a 15-year-old boy near Crotona Park in the Bronx as he walked to school.

The shooting happened just before 9:30 a.m. near Fulton Avenue and East 171st Street, police said.

Police identified the victim as Javits Frimpong. Authorities said he was shot in the stomach, possibly while on his way to school. He was taken to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he later died.

Investigators are searching for three teens who fled the area wearing black sweatsuits and blue surgical masks.

His father told Eyewitness News that he believes the shooting was tied to bullying. He said just three days ago the principal told him that two kids were bullying his son and got suspended for a week.

Thomas Frimpong said he rushed to the hospital after getting the call and that’s where he was told his son died from his injuries.

According to Frimpong, his son moved to New York from Ghana about a year ago in search of a better life and generally kept to himself.

As he struggled to describe his loss, Frimpong focused on the memories of his son.

“My son was precious very clever,” he said

The killing has left residents in the Crotona Park neighborhood outraged over the violence and urging parents to pay closer attention to their children.

“Check your children, make sure that they not walking around with guns, listen to your children, get them some help,” one resident said.

Others called for additional programs aimed at keeping young people engaged and away from violence.

“Mayor Mamdani if you’re hearing this, our kids need. They need afterschool programs; they need different programs to keep them off the street. Too much idle time on a young man’s hands means trouble,” another resident said.

As investigators continue searching for suspects, a neighbor offered a simple message to the community: “Stop the violence, that’s all, stay home, stay in school.”

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