The New York Police Department (NYPD) has arrested a 17-year-old boy in connection with the killing of 15-year-old Ghanaian student, Javits Frimpong, who was shot dead while walking to school in the Bronx, New York, on October 29, 2026.
The police announced the arrest on Wednesday, November 11, through a statement on their official X account, confirming that detectives had taken the teenager into custody and charged him with murder.
The suspect was reportedly taken to the 42nd Precinct for questioning. According to ABC7 New York, he is also facing manslaughter and firearm-related charges.
Authorities have withheld the suspect’s identity because he is a minor. They have also not disclosed what may have led to the fatal shooting.
Frimpong was attacked near East 171st Street and Crotona Place in the Claremont neighbourhood of the Bronx while on his way to school. He sustained a
gunshot wound to the abdomen and was rushed to hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The teenager had reportedly moved from Ghana to the United States about a year before his death to reunite with his father, Thomas Frimpong.
Speaking to The Guardian, his father disclosed that his son had previously complained about bullying at school. He also said two students had reportedly been suspended over harassment.
However, investigators have not established any connection between the alleged bullying and the shooting.
Following the incident, police had initially searched for three teenage suspects. Investigators reportedly considered several possible motives, including bullying and robbery, but no motive has been officially established.
The arrest comes amid calls by Frimpong’s family and members of the Ghanaian community for justice.
The development is also expected to advance investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death of the young student.
