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BRONX, N.Y. — The fatal shooting of 12-year-old Jacob "Kai" Freytes has devastated a Bronx family and renewed demands for stronger action against gun violence in New York City. Jacob, the son of retired NYPD Detective Sergeant Jesus Freytes, was riding his bicycle near a bodega at Elliot Place and Walton Avenue in Mount Eden at approximately 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 25. Surveillance footage showed a fight breaking out among several adults before gunfire erupted. Jacob, who was not involved in the confrontation, was struck by a stray bullet and ran inside the store seeking help. He was transported to Lincoln Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Two men, ages 25 and 34, were also wounded and were listed in stable condition. Fernando Mateo calls for leaders to focus on victims Fernando Mateo, founder, chairman and spokesman of the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers, joined bodega representatives and Bronx residents outside the store to demand a stronger public-safety response. "Where is Mamdani?" Mateo asked while criticizing Mayor Zohran Mamdani's recent appearance at Rikers Island, where the mayor watched a FIFA World Cup match with people detained at the jail. Mateo argued that elected officials should place greater attention on crime victims, grieving families and communities living with repeated violence. "Protect the victims and their families," Mateo said. He also called on Mayor Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul to strengthen enforcement against illegal firearms and repeat offenders rather than relying exclusively on citywide statistics showing declining shootings. At the joint news conference, the New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers announced a $10,000 reward for information concerning the shootings of the two surviving victims. The bodega organization separately announced a $5,000 reward connected to Jacob's killing. Suspect arrested and charged Police arrested 45-year-old Bronx resident William Ferrer outside his home the following morning. Ferrer has been charged with second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, attempted murder, assault and criminal possession of a weapon. He pleaded not guilty and was ordered held without bail. The allegations against him have not been proven in court. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said that although an arrest could never relieve the family's pain, the department would continue seeking justice for Jacob. Mayor responds to the criticism Mayor Mamdani said Jacob's death was unacceptable and acknowledged that additional work is necessary to protect New Yorkers from gun violence. "There's always more to be done," the mayor said during a July 27 press conference. Mamdani said the NYPD had recovered more than 2,000 illegal firearms during the first seven months of the year and praised investigators for quickly apprehending Ferrer. The mayor also said his administration had contacted Jacob's family and that he had personally reached out to them. A neighborhood mourns Friends and neighbors described Jacob as a respectful and kind child who enjoyed sports, riding his bicycle and spending time with friends. A memorial of candles, flowers, photographs and handwritten messages has continued to grow near his home and the bodega where he was shot. His death has left parents in the neighborhood questioning whether their children can safely walk to school, ride bicycles or visit nearby stores without being exposed to violence. For Mateo and other community advocates, Jacob's killing cannot become another statistic. Their message is that government must continue removing illegal guns, confronting violent groups, supporting law enforcement and placing victims and their families at the center of the public-safety discussion. Jacob was simply a 12-year-old enjoying a summer afternoon. His family and community are now left carrying an unimaginable loss.
