Bronx: 15-year-old Ghanaian boy dies after being shot on way to school

A 15-year-old Ghanaian student has died after being shot in the abdomen while making his way to school in the Bronx, New York, on Thursday morning.

Javits Frimpong was attacked near East 171st Street and Crotona Place in the Claremont neighbourhood at about 9:24 a.m., according to the New York Police Department (NYPD).

He was rushed to St. Barnabas Hospital for treatment but later succumbed to his injuries.

Police are searching for three teenage boys, aged between 16 and 18, suspected to have fled the scene after the shooting. The suspects were reportedly dressed in black clothing and wearing blue surgical masks.

The circumstances surrounding the attack remain unclear, with investigators yet to establish what led to the shooting. No arrests had been reported.

Frimpong was heading to Dreamyard Preparatory School when he was shot. His father, Thomas Frimpong, said he learnt about the incident after receiving a call from the school’s principal.

The father also disclosed that his son had recently complained about being bullied by another student. He said two boys had previously been suspended following an altercation involving his son.

However, authorities have not established whether the alleged bullying was connected to the fatal attack.

Javits moved from Ghana to the United States about a year ago to join his father.

His death has sparked shock and sadness among residents of the neighbourhood, with some calling for greater efforts to address violence involving young people.

Police are continuing investigations and searching for the three suspects.