Police arrested a 45-year-old man after Jacob Freytes was struck by gunfire outside a Mount Eden neighborhood store.
NEW YORK CITY, NY — A 12-year-old boy killed when gunfire erupted outside a Bronx deli was identified as Jacob Freytes, police said, as a man was arrested on murder and other charges in connection with the shooting.
William Ferrer, 45, was taken into custody Sunday morning in the Bronx, one day after Freytes was fatally wounded near the corner of Elliot Place and Walton Avenue in the Mount Eden neighborhood. Two adult men were also shot and survived, according to police.
Officers responded to a 911 call at about 4:55 p.m. Saturday and found three shooting victims in front of 104 Elliot Place. Freytes had been wounded near his shoulder and was taken by emergency medical workers to NYC Health and Hospitals/Lincoln, where he was pronounced dead.
A 34-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound to his left foot, and a 25-year-old man was shot in the buttocks, police said. Both men reached BronxCare Health System Hospital by private transportation and were listed in stable condition.
Surveillance video reviewed by news organizations shows a fight involving several people breaking out in the street outside the store shortly before the shooting. Freytes was standing beside his bicycle near the confrontation when a man appeared to draw a gun and fire. Additional video shows the boy running back into the deli before collapsing.
Police have described Freytes as an unintended victim of the gunfire. Authorities had not publicly released a confirmed motive for the dispute or explained whether the two wounded adults were involved in the confrontation.
Neighbors said Freytes was known in the community as “Kai.” Friends and residents placed candles, flowers and personal items at a growing memorial near the shooting scene. Several described him as friendly, respectful and eager to help older people in the neighborhood.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced Ferrer’s arrest Sunday. Police said he faces charges of murder, two counts of attempted murder, manslaughter, six counts of assault and three counts of criminal possession of a weapon. The charges are allegations, and Ferrer is presumed innocent unless convicted.
Freytes’ father previously worked for the New York Police Department, according to multiple news reports. Police had not released further details about the family, and officials urged the public to respect their privacy as relatives and neighbors mourned the child.
The investigation remained active Monday. Ferrer was still in custody Sunday evening, and authorities had not announced when he would appear before a judge.
Author note: Last updated July 27, 2026.