Bronx Community Grieves Loss of 12-Year-Old Victim

The Bronx community gathered on Saturday to mourn the death of 12-year-old Jacob Freytes, who was fatally shot while riding his bicycle near a Mount Eden bodega. The service, held at a funeral home in Parkchester, drew family members, friends, and city officials, including Mayor Zohran Mamdani, to pay their respects.

According to police reports, the incident occurred on the afternoon of July 25 when a dispute broke out on the street. Investigators state that Freytes, who was not involved in the altercation, was struck in the chest by a stray bullet. The youth reportedly attempted to seek assistance inside a nearby store following the shooting. Authorities have since identified William Ferrer as the suspect in the case.

Freytes was the son of a retired NYPD sergeant, and family members have shared that he aspired to follow in his father’s footsteps by pursuing a career in law enforcement. In the wake of the tragedy, his mother has publicly expressed concerns regarding public safety and the current state of the criminal justice system. She has advocated for more stringent legal consequences for individuals who use firearms in incidents that result in the death of a child.

Friends of the victim have remembered him as a generous and kind-hearted peer. One acquaintance recalled their final interaction, noting that Freytes had been playing outside before leaving to purchase a ball, never to return.

Mayor Mamdani, who previously joined the family at a vigil to speak out against gun violence, attended the funeral to offer his condolences. As the investigation into the shooting continues, the loss has prompted renewed discussions among residents and local leaders about the impact of gun violence on city neighborhoods.