NYPD Arrests 17-Year-Old Suspect Over Killing of 15-Year-Old Ghanaian Student in New York
The New York Police Department (NYPD) has arrested a 17-year-old boy in connection with the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Ghanaian student Javits Frimpong in the Bronx.
The teenager was arrested on Wednesday morning by NYPD detectives and is facing a murder charge over the October 29, 2026 killing.
In a statement posted on its official X account, the police department confirmed the arrest, describing its commitment to bringing those responsible for the teenager’s death to justice.
According to ABC7 New York, the suspect was taken to the 42nd Precinct for questioning and was also reportedly facing manslaughter and firearms-related charges.
Authorities have not released the suspect’s identity because he is a minor. Police have also not disclosed a possible motive for the shooting.
Frimpong was reportedly walking to school near East 171st Street and Crotona Place in the Claremont section of the Bronx when he was shot in the abdomen. He was rushed to hospital but was later pronounced dead.
The victim’s father, Thomas, alleged that his son had experienced repeated bullying at school before the shooting.
He disclosed that two boys had previously fought with his son and were suspended following the confrontation.
According to the father, Javits had also complained that another student repeatedly harassed him during lunch breaks.
The father described his son as a quiet teenager who rarely spoke, expressing deep sorrow over his death.
CBS News reported that it contacted the school and the New York City Department of Education regarding the bullying allegations, but neither had responded at the time of its report.
The arrest marks a development in the investigation into the killing of the Ghanaian teenager, as authorities continue efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
