The New York Police Department is searching for at least two suspects in connection with the fatal shooting of a15-year-old boy in the Bronx, an incident the victim’s father believes was the violent culmination of a school bullying dispute.
Javits Frimpong was walking to school Thursday morning when he was shot in the stomach near East 171st Street and Third Avenue in the Claremont neighborhood. Surveillance footage from the scene shows a harrowing pursuit in which the teenager attempts to run for his life while a figure dressed in black follows closely behind.
The victim is seen collapsing in the distance shortly after the gunman stops and turns away. Thomas Frimpong, the boy’s father, said his son had been targeted by a classmate and had repeatedly sought help from school administrators. He said he believes the shooting was a retaliatory act following a report Javits made to the principal, which allegedly resulted in the suspension of two other students.
“He’s been telling the principal, he’s been telling the boy is disturbing him,” Thomas Frimpong said. “The school can testify my son is always quiet. Always.” Emergency responders rushed Javits to St. Barnabas Hospital, but he later died from his injuries.
The shooting occurred just steps away from Bronx Prep High School and Mott Hall Bronx High School. Witnesses reported seeing as many as three suspects, described as being between 16 and 18 years old, fleeing the scene.
The individuals were reportedly wearing all-black clothing and blue surgical masks. Longtime resident Carla Benjamin said the violence on a block frequented by students is heartbreaking. “It just hurt me so much,” Benjamin said, noting that she initially rushed outside to ensure the victim was not one of the many local children she had babysat over the years.
As of Friday, no arrests had been made, and the investigation remains active.
