BRONX, New York (WABC) — A 17-year-old suspect charged in the deadly shooting of 15-year-old Javits Frimpong was arraigned Thursday as the victim’s parents and community members continue to demand justice.
Javits Frimpong was shot to death two weeks before Thursday’s court appearance. Police are still searching for two additional suspects connected to his death.
The suspect appeared before a judge as supporters gathered outside the courthouse, chanting, “Justice for Javits.” Inside, family members and community members attended the first court proceedings in the criminal case.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump is representing Frimpong’s family. The boy’s parents spoke publicly Wednesday but were too distraught to attend Thursday’s hearing.
Frimpong was shot while on his way to school. He had moved to the United States from Ghana a year ago.
Although the family initially suspected that bullying Frimpong had experienced was connected to the shooting, Crump said the Bronx district attorney does not believe that was the motive. He said the case highlights a broader issue.
“It is a tragedy upon tragedy that everybody loses in this situation,” Crump said.
“It has to be a teachable moment to lead to a greater discussion about stopping gun violence in our community,” he added.
The 17-year-old has been charged with murder, but it remains unclear whether he will be tried as an adult or whether he was the actual shooter.
Community members attending the hearing also commented on the suspect’s young age.
“It hurts me as a mother, knowing that that’s a child that killed a child. So it’s like we have different emotions knowing that the justice we want is for a child, and the perpetrator is also a child,” said community activist Gugu Makhari.
The case is scheduled to go before a grand jury Monday. Meanwhile, police continue to search for two additional suspects.
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