Case status
William Ferrer, 45, pleaded not guilty in Bronx Supreme Court in connection with the July 25 death of 12-year-old Jacob Freytes, according to the New York Post. Prosecutors accuse him of murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, assault and criminal possession of a weapon. He remains held without bail and is scheduled to return to court Nov. 17, the Post reported.
What investigators say happened
Jacob was struck by gunfire outside Wanda Deli near Elliot Place and the Grand Concourse in Mount Eden while he was riding to the store to buy a ball. Police told CBS News New York that a fight began between two men before a third man, who was not part of the dispute, fired a gun. Reports identified Jacob as the son of retired NYPD Detective Sgt. Jesus Freytes, and said two other men were wounded but expected to recover, according to ABC7 Chicago and NY1.
Proposed legal response
After the shooting, Jacob’s mother, Migdalia Martinez, joined legislators in Mount Eden to announce a proposal known as Jacob’s Law, according to NBC New York. The measure would require an automatic life sentence for reckless criminal conduct that results in a child’s death. Martinez has said the proposal should ensure that people whose actions cause such a death face life imprisonment without parole, the station reported.
Next step
The November court date will mark the next scheduled stage in the case. The murder and related charges remain allegations, and Ferrer has pleaded not guilty.
