BRONX – The mother of 12-year-old Jacob Freytes, a Valley Central Middle School student who was killed by a stray bullet while riding his bicycle in the Bronx last month, is expected to join State Sen. Steve Chan and Attorney General candidate Saritha Komatireddy on Saturday to announce new legislation named in her son’s memory.
The proposal, dubbed “Jacob’s Law,” would strengthen New York’s criminal laws by increasing penalties for people whose reckless actions result in the death of a child under 18, according to the organizers.
The announcement is scheduled to take place outside the Bronx bodega where Jacob was fatally shot.
“Jacob’s death was a heartbreaking tragedy that should never have happened,” Chan said. “This legislation closes an important gap in New York law by ensuring that those who recklessly kill a child can face penalties that reflect the seriousness of their actions. I’m proud to sponsor Jacob’s Law in the Senate and stand with Jacob’s family in their pursuit of justice.”
Jacob, who lived in Walden, was riding his bicycle near a bodega on Elliot Place in the Mount Eden neighborhood on July 25 when gunfire erupted during an altercation involving several men. Police said Jacob was not the intended target.
Jacob was struck by a bullet and taken to NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln, where he was pronounced dead. He was in the Bronx on a visit with family. Two adult men also were wounded in the shooting.
Police arrested 45-year-old career criminal William Ferrer in connection with the shooting. He faces charges including second-degree murder, attempted murder and weapons-related offenses. The legislation being announced in Jacob’s name is intended to address situations in which a person’s reckless criminal conduct causes the death of a child, according to its sponsors.
Jacob’s mother, Migdalia Martinez, previously called on New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to help push legislation in her son’s name that would automatically mean life in prison for anyone who killed a child.
“No parent should have to bury a child because someone chose reckless disregard for human life. Jacob’s Law is about ensuring that when a child is killed by this kind of senseless violence, the punishment reflects the gravity of the crime,” Komatireddy said. “New York must send a clear message: if you take a child’s life, you get life.”