Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, says he expects American police to identify those responsible for the killing of 15-year-old Ghanaian teenager Javits Badu Nkansah Frimpong as investigations into the Bronx shooting continue.
The Ambassador believes surveillance footage and other available evidence will help investigators trace the attackers, despite reports that they wore masks during the incident.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Point of View on Monday, November 2, Mr Smith said he expected the police to make progress soon and provide him with information about the suspects.
“I’m sure the police are looking into records, and very soon, I’m sure that they will fill me in on the person who committed this dastardly crime,” he said.
He also urged investigators to establish whether the shooting was connected to allegations that Javits had been bullied at school before his death.
The teenager’s father, Thomas Frimpong, has said his son experienced bullying and that students allegedly involved had recently faced disciplinary action. However, the Ambassador cautioned against directly linking the alleged bully to the killing without evidence.
He said investigators must determine whether the attackers were the same individuals involved in the bullying or had connections to them, while also considering other possible motives.
Javits was shot on October 29 while walking to school in the Bronx, New York. He was taken to hospital but later died from his injuries. Police have been searching for three teenage suspects, with no arrests reported as of November 3.
Meanwhile, students at his school staged a walkout on November 2 to honour him and raise concerns about bullying and gun violence.
