Javits Badu Nkansah Frimpong, 15, died after a shooting while walking to school in the Bronx.
New York police seek three suspects as Ghana pledges consular and legal support for the family of 15-year-old Javits Badu Nkansah Frimpong.
A Ghanaian teenager killed while walking to school in New York has been identified as 15-year-old Javits Badu Nkansah Frimpong. Police are searching for three teenage suspects after the shooting in the Bronx.
The gunfire struck Frimpong in the abdomen shortly before 9:30am on Thursday, October 29, 2026. The shooting happened near East 171st Street and Crotona Place.
The New York Police Department said responding officers rushed him to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Investigators have not established a motive or made any arrests.
Father recalls bullying before Ghanaian teenager killed
Police believe the three male suspects are between 16 and 18 years old. They reportedly wore black clothing and blue surgical masks.
Meanwhile, the teenager’s father, Thomas Frimpong, said his son had complained about bullying by fellow students. He said two boys had previously fought with his son and received suspensions following the incident.
However, his son later told him that harassment continued during lunch breaks despite concerns he had raised. Authorities have not confirmed any connection between the alleged bullying and the shooting.
Thomas described his son as quiet and intelligent. The teenager had moved from Ghana about a year earlier to live with him in the United States. He also hoped to become a doctor, his father said.
Ghana pledges support for bereaved family
Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has pledged to help the family and work with American authorities to pursue justice. The ministry also committed to providing consular and legal assistance while following the investigation.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa spoke with the grieving father and offered condolences on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama. Ghanaian diplomatic officials in New York have also visited the family to offer assistance.
For Thomas, the death represents the loss of a son who had recently joined him abroad. He described the loss as unbearable, saying his son meant everything to him.
