Teen arrested in killing of 15-year-old Ghanaian student in NYC

November 13, 2026

2 minutes read

A TEENAGER was arrested on Wednesday in connection with the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old Ghanaian immigrant on his way to school, New York City police said, as the victim’s family, Ghana’s government and civil rights advocates pressed for justice.

The 17-year-old male suspect was arrested on murder and other charges in connection with the October 29 death of Javits Frimpong, the New York Police Department (NYPD) said.

The suspect’s name was not released, and it was not immediately clear whether he had an attorney who could respond to the allegations.

The killing has sparked protests in New York and prompted Mayor Zohran Mamdani to ask President Donald Trump to arrange a visa for Frimpong’s mother, Doris Adu Gyamfi, to travel to the United States.

“I need justice for my child,” she said at a news conference on Wednesday before breaking down in tears.

Police have not disclosed what motivated the shooting on a Bronx street as Frimpong was walking to school. The teenager’s family has said he was being bullied at school, and Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said last week that officers were investigating bullying and other possible motives, including robbery.

Mr Kenny suggested that there were “three perpetrators” involved.

News of the arrest came as Frimpong’s relatives, civil rights lawyer Ben Crump, the Rev. Al Sharpton and Ghana’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Samuel Yao Kumah, gathered at Sharpton’s National Action Network headquarters for a previously scheduled news conference.

After leading a chant of “Justice for Javits!”, Mr Crump acknowledged the arrest but added: “What we’re all wondering is: Why? Why did they kill this young man, this person with such a bright future?”

As Mr Crump spoke, the teenager’s mother wept on Mr Sharpton’s shoulder.

Frimpong’s death has shocked Ghanaians, Mr Kumah said, describing the arrest as “a step in the right direction”.

Frimpong joined his father in the United States a year ago in search of better educational opportunities, his relatives said.

His father, Thomas Frimpong, said his son “was living the dream”.

The teenager’s sister, Millicent Frimpong, said he aspired to become a physician and follow in the family’s footsteps by joining the military.

“He was so ready that he made me save my uniform for him,” she recalled.

She said he wrote in his journal that he was proud to be in the United States and that school was going well.

Thomas Frimpong has said that school bullies were bothering his son, a quiet teenager who spent much of his time on his cellphone, but that Javits had reassured him: “Dad, I’m OK.”

The father said two students had been suspended over the bullying.

A message seeking further information about the matter was sent to the New York City Department of Education on Wednesday.

— AP

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