Javits Frimpong’s mother arrives in New York, demands justice for slain son
The mother of slain Ghanaian teenager Javits Frimpong, Madam Doris Adu Gyamfi, has arrived in New York and appealed for justice, six days after her 15-year-old son was fatally shot in the Bronx.
Speaking shortly after arriving in the United States on Wednesday, November 4, she said her only wish was to see justice served for her son. She also revealed that Javits had aspired to become a medical doctor.
No arrests have been made, as police continue searching for three masked suspects who allegedly chased the teenager while he was on his way to school on Thursday, October 29.
Javits Badu Nkansah Frimpong relocated from Ghana about a year ago to live with his father, Thomas Frimpong. He was a Grade 10 student at DreamYard Preparatory School.
NYPD examines possible motives
NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny told reporters on Monday, November 2, that investigators were considering three possible motives behind the killing: robbery, mistaken identity involving a rival gang, and bullying at school.
Police have not indicated which of the possibilities they consider most likely. However, 3News reported on Wednesday morning that investigators had found no evidence connecting Javits to any gang.
Addressing the possibility of bullying, Kenny said it was one of several areas detectives were investigating.
He described Javits as a studious teenager who spent much of his time concentrating on schoolwork, completing his homework before occasionally using his phone.
Questions over school’s bullying records
Kenny initially said the New York City Department of Education would not release information concerning reported bullying incidents without a subpoena.
However, the department reportedly stated a day later that it had cooperated with investigators and provided all the information requested.
The NYPD has not confirmed whether the documents were received, while the education department has declined to clarify whether a subpoena was issued.
Brooklyn Assemblyman Kalman Yeger criticised the school system in a post on X, accusing it of failing to assist police in identifying those responsible for the teenager’s death.
Javits’ father, Thomas Frimpong, has also disclosed that the school’s principal contacted him two days before the shooting to report that his son had been involved in a fight with two other students, who were subsequently suspended.
He suspects the incident may be connected to his son’s killing, although police have not established any such link.
Police search for three suspects
Investigators are pursuing three suspects believed to be between 16 and 18 years old, according to News 12, which cited police sources.
Javits was shot near East 171st Street and Third Avenue at approximately 9:25 a.m. Police say the suspects later boarded a southbound No. 5 subway train.
As of Wednesday morning, no suspect had been publicly identified, arrested or charged.
The NYPD has appealed to anyone with information about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).
Funeral arrangements and tributes
The teenager’s mother travelled to the United States ahead of his funeral, according to Citi, although the date and venue for the ceremony have not yet been announced.
Meanwhile, a growing memorial of candles and flowers has been set up at the location where Javits was shot.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson visited the site and shared photographs on X on Tuesday.
In her tribute, she described Javits as a son of Ghana and a child whose death was deeply personal to the community and his family.
Gibson also raised concerns about the widespread availability of firearms, warning that the ease with which people could obtain weapons remained a serious problem.
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