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Bronx 12-Year-Old Killed in Suspected Gang Shooting; Man Arrested

Investigators are examining reported surveillance footage and possible gang links after the shooting, a development that has deepened local anger at Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Overview

  • Jacob Freytes, 12, was struck by a stray bullet while on his bicycle near a bodega in Mount Eden and later died from his wounds after the July 25 weekend shooting.
  • Police arrested 45-year-old William Ferrer and charged him with murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, multiple counts of assault, and weapons offenses.
  • Media reported security video that appears to show a man drawing a gun and firing into a street fight, and investigators are still processing that footage as they probe whether the attack was gang-related.
  • Two adult men were also wounded in the incident and taken to hospital in stable condition, and the boy’s family and neighbors say the killing has left local children traumatized.
  • The case has renewed debate over city gang strategy with officials and residents pointing to long-running turf fights involving the Trinitarios and Sev Side Pinni gangs and calling for clearer public-safety steps.