A Bronx mother is calling for a new state law after her 12-year-old son, Jacob Freytas, was shot and killed by a stray bullet while riding his bicycle.
Migdalia Martinez joined legislators in Mount Eden Saturday to unveil the proposal, called “Jacob’s Law,” which would strengthen penalties for criminals who recklessly murder a child.
“Instead of riding his bike, he is resting in an urn,” said Martinez. “I want to be able to not only be at peace knowing that this man is going to jail for the rest of his life without parole, but also be rest assured that anyone who kills a child faces the same exact thing.”
Two weeks ago, Freytas was riding his bicycle outside of a bodega when a stray bullet struck him in the chest, killing him.
Police said the bullet was fired by 45-year-old William Ferrer, who allegedly opened fire after a fight broke out involving five other people.
“Jacob’s law sends a clear message – if you take a child’s life, you get life,” said Saritha Komatireddy, the Republican nominee for New York State Attorney General and a former prosecutor. She stood alongside Martinez at Saturday’s press conference.
Ferrer was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. He has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody.
“Jacob’s Law” would mandate an automatic life prison sentence for anyone whose reckless criminal conduct leads to the death of a child.
Freytas was the son of a retired NYPD sergeant and dreamed of following in his father’s footsteps.