The family of Jacob Freytes, a 12-year-old boy fatally struck by a stray bullet in the Bronx, is calling for legislative change following the arrest of a man with a significant criminal history in connection with his death. Migdalia Martinez, Freytes' mother, and her daughter Angelica Coriano are spearheading the push for "Jacob's Law," a proposal that would mandate life sentences for individuals convicted of recklessly taking a child's life.
Freytes was riding his bike to a local bodega when he was killed in what authorities described as an apparent street dispute. Two adults were also injured in the incident. Police have arrested William Ferrer, 45, who faces charges including second-degree murder and has pleaded not guilty. Court documents indicate Ferrer has an arrest record spanning over 25 years, including charges for drunk driving, drug possession, menacing, and criminal contempt.
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated on X that Jacob Freytes was an "innocent bystander" when he was killed by "senseless gun violence." She added, "No arrest can ever ease the pain of this unimaginable loss, but the NYPD will continue to do everything in our power to seek justice for Jacob."
Martinez and Coriano expressed their grief and frustration on "Fox & Friends," criticizing current crime policies in New York. Martinez specifically cited concerns about cash bail reforms for misdemeanors and the past practice of stop-and-frisk, suggesting that the current system favors criminals over law-abiding citizens.
"It's just so much that they allow that, at this point, it's just safer more for the criminals than it is for hardworking people," Martinez said.
Coriano echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the family's continued anxiety despite the charges against Ferrer. She explained that "Jacob's Law" aims to eliminate the uncertainty families face in the justice system, ensuring that those convicted of recklessly causing a child's death face significant prison time.
"'Jacob's Law' will allow for there to be no in-between whether somebody goes to jail or not for taking a child's life recklessly. It'll allow for criminals to go straight to jail or prison instead of the family having to go to court continuously hoping and wondering if they're [going to] get the justice that they deserve for the child that they lost," Coriano stated. "And we went to court and found out all the charges that he'd be receiving, which is great, but we still have to sit with the worry whether he'll face all the time that is necessary enough to keep him where he needs to be. And that type of uncertainty is very uncomfortable for us as a family, knowing that we'll never see our child again."
Migdalina Martinez remembered her son as a "funny, quirky kid" who was beloved by his friends and family. She recalled his kindness, noting that he frequently helped elderly neighbors and greeted everyone he met.