A 45-year-old man has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of Jacob Freytes, a 12-year-old boy killed by a stray bullet in the Bronx on [date]. The suspect, William Ferrer, was arrested and pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including murder, following an alleged street dispute that also wounded two adults.
Migdalia Martinez, Freytes’ mother and the daughter of a retired NYPD detective sergeant, is advocating for a proposed law named “Jacob’s Law” that would mandate life sentences for individuals convicted of recklessly taking a child’s life. Martinez described the moment she learned of her son’s death, stating she was called at work and rushed to the scene where she found him deceased.
Freytes was riding his bike to a nearby bodega to purchase a ball when the shooting occurred. Police confirmed Ferrer has a criminal record spanning over 25 years, including prior charges for drunk driving, drug possession, menacing, and criminal contempt. The NYPD has not commented on the proposed legislation but stated it would continue pursuing justice for Freytes.
The Shooting and Arrest
On [date], William Ferrer was taken into custody and charged with second-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting. According to police reports, the incident stemmed from an alleged street dispute, though further details about the altercation have not been disclosed. Ferrer’s criminal history includes multiple prior arrests, as reported by law enforcement.
The NYPD confirmed that two other adults were also wounded in the shooting but did not provide additional information about their conditions. Commissioner Jessica Tisch issued a statement on social media, calling Freytes an innocent bystander and emphasizing the department’s commitment to seeking justice.
Advocacy for “Jacob’s Law”
Martinez and her family are pushing for legislative action, arguing that current sentencing laws are insufficient to address cases involving the reckless killing of children. The proposed “Jacob’s Law” would require mandatory life sentences for convictions under these circumstances. While the specifics of the bill have not been finalized, Martinez has publicly shared her son’s story in media appearances, including on Fox & Friends, to garner support for the measure.
The family’s efforts have drawn attention to broader debates about gun violence, criminal justice policies, and sentencing laws in New York City. Supporters of the proposed law argue that stricter penalties are necessary to deter violent crime, while critics contend that such measures could exacerbate issues within the criminal justice system.
Broader Context of Gun Violence in New York
The incident has reignited discussions about gun violence in urban areas, particularly in neighborhoods like the Bronx. While overall crime rates in New York City have fluctuated in recent years, shootings remain a persistent concern for residents and law enforcement. Advocacy groups have called for increased community-based interventions, while policymakers continue to debate the effectiveness of stricter sentencing versus rehabilitation programs.
The NYPD has not indicated whether additional charges or arrests are expected in connection with the case. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.