Thomas Frimpong, the father of 15-year-old Ghanaian schoolboy Javits Frimpong, broke down in tears on Saturday as mourners gathered at the Bronx street corner where his son was fatally shot.
According to the New York Daily News, family members, community leaders and elected officials attended the gathering on October 31, demanding justice and stronger protection for children.
Javits was attacked near East 171st Street and Crotona Place on Thursday morning, October 29, while walking to Dream Yard Preparatory School. Police said three masked male suspects targeted him before fleeing. He was taken to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he d!ed.
The teenager had moved from Ghana to join his father in the United States just a year earlier. His father described him as a bright student who hoped to become a doctor.
At the gathering, the grieving father struggled to remain standing and was supported by other mourners before being led away.
In a statement, the family called for those responsible to be identified and held accountable. They also urged parents, schools, community leaders and law enforcement to listen to children and act promptly when they report bullying or threats.
Frimpong said his son had recently experienced bullying involving students who were subsequently suspended. He believes there could be a connection to the k!lling, although the report did not establish that police had confirmed such a link.
Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark appealed to the suspects to surrender and urged anyone helping them evade arrest to come forward.
Meanwhile, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said President Donald Trump had agreed to facilitate an immediate visa for Javits’ mother, who was in Ghana, so she could travel to the United States to attend her son’s funeral.
The newspaper reported that more than $715,000 had been raised through a fundraising appeal for the family as of Saturday.
Community leaders expressed sorrow over the loss, calling for action against gun violence and measures to ensure children can travel to school safely.
No arrests had been reported at the time of the newspaper’s October 31 update.
Source: New York Daily News
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