A man has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting of 12-year-old Jacob Freytes, the son of a retired NYPD officer, outside a Bronx bodega. William Ferrer, 45, was also charged with assault and weapons offenses following the incident that occurred Saturday afternoon in the South Bronx.
Freytes was reportedly struck in the chest by a stray bullet while at the bodega to buy a ball. He later died at a Bronx hospital. Two other adult males were injured in the shooting, one in the buttocks and another in the foot; both were treated at local hospitals.
Ferrer faces a total of second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder, first-degree manslaughter, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He was remanded in custody, and his next court appearance has not yet been scheduled.
Surveillance video reportedly shows Ferrer, who had no visible emotion as he was led from a police precinct, pulling out a gun and firing during a fight. Freytes appears to be watching the altercation before he is struck and retreats into the bodega. Police have suggested the shooting may be gang-related.
Ferrer has an extensive criminal record dating back to 1999, with prior arrests for drug possession, driving while intoxicated, and possession of stolen property. His earlier arrests include charges for possession of a forced instrument in 1999, and alleged menacing and criminal contempt in 2001.