Mount Eden community mourns 12-year-old boy killed in stray shooting as suspect faces murder charge
Police arrested 45-year-old William Ferrer less than 24 hours after the shooting.
The Mount Eden community is mourning the loss of a 12-year-old boy who was fatally shot Saturday afternoon after police say he was caught in gunfire during a fight outside a neighborhood bodega.
Police arrested 45-year-old William Ferrer less than 24 hours after the shooting. He is charged with murder, manslaughter and other related offenses in connection with the death of Jacob Freytes.
A growing memorial now stands outside Freytes' apartment building on Marcy Place, just a block from where the Dominican Day Parade was held Sunday. Instead of celebrating, neighbors gathered to grieve the loss of a boy they described as family.
"I saw him grow. I saw him grow from the mother's stomach. All her kids," neighbor Milagros Dejesus said.
The shooting happened just before 5 p.m. Saturday outside a bodega on Elliot Place, about two blocks from Freytes' home. Police said a fight broke out while the 12-year-old was riding his bicycle, and he was struck by gunfire.
"He had just got that bike," neighbor Jasmine Dejesus said. "Yeah, just got that bike. So happy to ride around the neighborhood."
Neighbor Walter Colon said he spoke with Freytes only minutes before the shooting, as the boy was unlocking his bicycle outside their building.
"I had just shook his hand and I said, 'Hey, I want to tell you something, man. Look out for your brother and your little sister always, OK?'"
Colon said he never imagined it would be the last conversation they would have.
Neighbors said the arrest offers little comfort as they continue to process the loss of a child they say brought joy to the neighborhood.
"I don't think he had any regard to Jacob's life," Jasmine Dejesus said. "He could clearly see Jacob was in his clear path, but he just wanted his target."
The investigation remains ongoing.
