Man Charged in Bronx Shooting of 12-Year-Old
A man faces murder charges after a 12-year-old boy was tragically killed by a stray bullet in the Bronx. Recently released surveillance footage shows the frantic moments following the shooting.
Police arrested 45-year-old William Ferrer on Sunday morning. He has been charged with murder, two counts of attempted murder, manslaughter, six counts of assault, and three counts of weapon possession.
According to authorities, Ferrer allegedly fired shots during a chaotic encounter outside Wanda Deli Grocery on Elliott Place near the Grand Concourse in Mount Eden, resulting in the death of Jacob Fraites, who was reportedly an innocent bystander.
At around 5 p.m., Fraites was riding his bike near a warehouse when gunfire erupted. He was struck in the shoulder, rushed to New York City Health Hospital in Lincoln, but was pronounced dead shortly after.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch commented on the tragedy, labeling Jacob’s death as a “senseless act of gun violence.” She expressed condolences to Jacob’s family and emphasized the NYPD’s commitment to justice.
Footage shared by United Bodegas of America captures Jacob leaving a local bodega after purchasing a ball, shortly before the incident took place.
Witnesses described the chaos. In the video, Fraites is seen collapsing while clutching his chest as spectators looked on in horror.
Besides Jacob, two other men were injured. A 34-year-old sustained a gunshot wound to the leg, and a 25-year-old was shot in the buttocks. Fortunately, both are reported to be in stable condition.
Mayor Zoran Mamdani shared his grief in a statement, expressing that children should feel safe riding their bikes in their neighborhoods. He described the loss as unimaginable and called for an end to such violence.
The Office of Public Law Advocate also mourned Jacob’s death, highlighting the tragic nature of losing an innocent child to stray gunfire. They called for urgent measures to ensure the safety of children.
Ferrer has a history of legal issues dating back to 1999, including multiple arrests for various offenses like drug possession and driving under the influence.
Fernando Mateo, a spokesperson for the United Bodegas of America, remarked that this tragedy is yet another reminder of the ongoing gun violence in New York City. He expressed frustration over the frequent discussions about gun violence without any effective solutions.
Mateo pointed out that footage showed Jacob entering the bodega just prior to the shooting, underscoring the ordinary nature of his activities before the incident. He also mentioned that the deli had emergency buttons for violence, which unfortunately couldn’t prevent this event.
