A major breakthrough has been recorded in the killing of 15-year-old Ghanaian student Javits Frimpong after New York police formally charged a 17-year-old suspect with murder.

The teenager, whose identity has not been released because of his age, was picked up by detectives on Wednesday morning, November 11, and taken to the NYPD’s 42nd Precinct for questioning. Authorities later confirmed that he is facing charges including murder, manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon.

Javits was fatally shot on the morning of October 29 while heading to DreamYard Preparatory School in the Bronx. Police said the 15-year-old was shot in the stomach during the attack and was rushed to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Investigators had been searching for several teenagers believed to have been involved in the shooting. Authorities say more suspects are still being sought, meaning Wednesday’s murder charge may not be the final arrest in the case.

The killing sparked widespread outrage within the Ghanaian community in New York and beyond, with family members, students and community leaders demanding justice. Students at Javits’ school also staged a walkout following his death as concerns grew over youth violence and reports that he had experienced bullying before the shooting. Police have not publicly established that bullying was the motive behind the killing.

Javits’ family has retained prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump as they continue seeking answers and accountability.

The charging of the 17-year-old suspect marks the most significant development yet in the investigation, but the case remains active as NYPD detectives continue searching for others who may have been involved.

For Javits’ grieving family and supporters, the murder charge represents an important step in their long-running demand for justice.