Surveillance footage obtained by American broadcaster ABC7 has shed light on the circumstances surrounding the death of 24-year-old Ghanaian Joseph Owusu in New York. The footage, captured on November 6, 2026, shows two unidentified individuals removing a large black bag from the boot of a white saloon car onto a pavement in the Bronx under the cover of darkness. The individuals are seen unloading the bag and dragging it onto the pavement before driving away.
A separate surveillance recording from the following day shows another man placing the bag on a metal stretcher and wheeling it away from the location. Owusu's body was later discovered by a man searching for scrap metal. His family and Ghanaian officials subsequently identified him as the deceased. The footage has been shared with Owusu's family, who are seeking justice and answers about what led to the incident.
Owusu's brother, Kojo Yeboah, has called for justice and demanded answers about his brother's death. "I need justice for Joseph. I want the truth to come out because my brother didn't deserve to die the way he did. He's only 24. He had a lot of living to do," he said. Yeboah was shown the surveillance recordings but was unable to recognise the individuals captured removing his brother's body.
Yeboah described Owusu as well-loved, with a strong passion for music and the church. He served as an organist at their church in the Bronx and regularly spent several hours practising the piano. Owusu also worked providing direct support to people with disabilities while pursuing studies in computer science. His family is finding it difficult to come to terms with the sudden loss, particularly because Owusu had been an important part of their everyday lives.
The family is appealing for justice as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding Owusu's death and efforts to establish the identities of the individuals captured in the surveillance footage. Yeboah is trying to remain strong for their mother, who has been deeply affected by the tragedy. The family is seeking help from anyone who may have information about the incident.
Owusu's reported death comes just days after 15-year-old Ghanaian Javits Frimpong was also shot dead in the Bronx, New York. The series of incidents has raised concerns about the safety of Ghanaian nationals in the area. The authorities are working to investigate the circumstances surrounding both deaths and bring those responsible to justice.
The Ghanaian community is rallying around Owusu's family, offering support and condolences. The incident has sparked an outpouring of grief and outrage, with many calling for increased measures to ensure the safety of Ghanaian nationals in New York. The investigation into Owusu's death is ongoing, with the authorities working to piece together the events leading up to his death.
Key points
- The surveillance footage shows two unidentified individuals unloading a large black bag believed to contain Joseph Owusu's body in the Bronx, New York.
- Owusu's family is seeking justice and answers about what led to his death.
- The incident has raised concerns about the safety of Ghanaian nationals in the area.
