Javits Frimpong’s family hires Ben Crump as NYPD hunts three suspects in fatal shooting
By: Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent The family of Javits Frimpong, a 15-year-old Ghanaian immigrant fatally shot on his way to school in the Bronx, has retained renowned civil rights attorney Ben Crump. The teenager died on Oct. 29, just one year after moving to New York to live with his father and pursue […]
The family of Javits Frimpong, a 15-year-old Ghanaian immigrant who was fatally shot while walking to school in the Bronx, has hired high-profile civil rights attorney Ben Crump to represent them. Frimpong tragically passed away on October 29, just one year after moving to New York to live with his father and work towards his dream of becoming a medical doctor.
Attorney Crump pledged to demand full accountability and answers for the high-profile killing, which has deeply affected communities in both the United States and West Africa. The tragedy has prompted potential civil proceedings, as police continue their active homicide investigation. Ben Crump's representation of the Frimpong family places him alongside some of the most prominent civil rights practitioners in the United States.
He has a proven track record of representing families in high-profile cases involving slain Black youth, such as Trayvon Martin and Tamir Rice. Both cases ultimately led to significant legal and societal outcomes, sparking national civil rights demonstrations and setting precedents for public scrutiny and legal action in similar situations.
The fatal shooting took place at the intersection of East 171st Street and Crotona Place in the Claremont section of the Bronx, close to Frimpong's school. Paramedics rushed the teenager to St. Barnabas Hospital, but he was declared dead. Ben Crump emphasized that Frimpong, like any other child in the country, deserved to walk safely to school without fear of violence.
The NYPD is actively investigating the incident and searching for three teenage suspects who were seen wearing masks near the crime scene. Detectives are also exploring whether school conflicts may have contributed to the violent attack, including investigating reports of bullying involving two students who had previously been suspended.
The tragic death has sparked intense grief, fear, and calls for justice within the Bronx Ghanaian community, with a memorial vigil held in Frimpong's honor.
Written by urgent.news from GBC Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
