Arrest made in NYC after student from Ghana is shot and killed on way to school
Arrest announced at family event
Frimpong was shot and killed in the Bronx on Oct. 29. Police announced the arrest of a 17-year-old on Wednesday, as relatives gathered for a news conference that had already been planned.
Police examine possible motives
Authorities have not said what led to the shooting. Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said police were investigating bullying and other possibilities, including robbery, and suggested three people may have been involved. Frimpong’s family has said he was bullied at school. His father, Thomas Frimpong, said two students were suspended over the reported bullying, while Javits had reassured him, “Dad, I’m OK.”
Family recalls future plans
Frimpong moved to the United States a year ago to join his father and pursue better educational opportunities, relatives said. His father described him as “living the dream.” His sister, Millicent Frimpong, said he hoped to become a physician and serve in the military, following family examples. She recalled that he asked her to save her uniform for him, and said his journal expressed pride in being in the United States and satisfaction with school.
Visa request and funeral plans
Mayor Zohran Mamdani asked President Donald Trump to arrange a visa so Frimpong’s mother could travel to the United States. Kumah said the killing had deeply affected Ghanaians and described the arrest as “a step in the right direction.” A funeral for Frimpong is scheduled for Nov. 20. At the news conference, Crump questioned why the teenager had been killed and spoke of the young person’s bright future.
Key points
- A 17-year-old was arrested for murder in Javits Frimpong’s death.
- The 15-year-old Ghanaian was fatally shot in the Bronx on Oct. 29 while going to school.
- Police are investigating bullying and robbery as possible motives, but have not announced a motive.
- Mayor Zohran Mamdani asked President Donald Trump to help Frimpong’s mother travel to the United States.