17-year-old charged with murder over killing of Javits Frimpong

On October 29, 15-year-old Javits Frimpong was fatally shot in the Bronx, New York while on his way to school. He had relocated from Ghana a year prior to attend school and live with his father. Three teenagers dressed in black, wearing masks, chased Javits and opened fire on him. Police recovered shell casings from the scene and apprehended the suspects the following day.

The 17-year-old suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed due to his age, is charged with murder, manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon. Javits's father, Thomas Frimpong, believes his son had endured bullying at school, as two boys were suspended recently for similar behavior. Javits's mother, Doris Gyamfi, traveled from Ghana to seek justice for her only child.

Both parents expressed relief that someone had been charged and shared their son's aspirations to pursue a career in medicine or the military. The case has sparked protests from students at Javits's school, demanding safer schools. His family's attorney, Ben Crump, is seeking full accountability from the suspect and an investigation into potential negligence from the Department of Education regarding bullying.

Rev. Al Sharpton has joined the movement for justice. Javits's funeral will take place on November 20.