A 12-year-old boy was shot and killed outside a convenience store in The Bronx while riding his new bike, which he had received just a day earlier.
Jacob Freytes was hit by a stray bullet shortly before 5pm on Saturday (July 25) outside the Wanda Deli Grocery on Elliott Place, according to CCTV footage. He staggered back inside the shop clutching his chest before dying.
Neighbors recall a 'bright kid'
Neighbor Walter Calon, 56, said he had shaken Jacob's hand shortly before the shooting, telling him to 'look out for your little brother and sister.' Less than half an hour later, he received a call from his mother and dropped the phone.
Jacob's father is retired NYPD sergeant Jesus Freytes, the New York Post reported. The killing is believed to be a case of being in 'the wrong place at the wrong time,' said family friend Marlyn Rosario.
Gang violence suspected
The Mount Eden area is known for gang violence, and police are investigating whether the Trinitarios and Sev Side Pinni groups were involved. The killer allegedly got into an altercation outside the store that escalated to gunfire.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the violence, saying in a statement: 'A 12-year-old was shot and killed in the Bronx earlier today. My heart breaks for his family, friends and all those who loved him.' He confirmed two other people were injured and thanked hospital staff and the NYPD.
Community mourns
Neighbors remembered Jacob as 'a bright kid' who always saluted Walter Calon. 'He played sports — he's always playing here in the front court. I saw him grow up. He's a good kid. I don't understand,' Calon said.
Julio Lopez, a family friend, added: 'He was adventurous. He was a free spirit. He was different. He lived on his own terms, and he was only 12. He was happy. He was chipper. He was saying hi to the guys up the block. He showed respect. He was a good kid.'
Jacob had received the hand-me-down bike on Friday (July 24) from Miledy Rosario, who bought it for her daughter Marlyn but gave it to Jacob after his parents agreed.
