12-year-old Valley Central middle school student killed by stray bullet in the Bronx
The Valley Central School District confirmed Jacob Freytes was a current Valley Central Middle School student after NYPD say he was fatally struck by a stray bullet while riding his bike in the Bronx.
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Neighbors in Walden are mourning the loss of 12-year-old Jacob Freytes. Police say the boy was killed by a stray bullet while riding his bike in the Bronx over the weekend.
Neighbors tell News 12 Jacob lived in Walden with his family and often visited relatives in the Bronx. They say they were shocked when they recognized him in news reports about the shooting.
“We were devastated,” neighbor Hector Lopez said. “My wife saw it first. We couldn’t stop thinking about it and we still can’t. It’s hard.”
Lopez says he had recently seen Jacob outside playing in the neighborhood.
“It’s really a shame,” Lopez said. “I feel horrible for them. I really do. They’re really nice people. Good people."
According to the NYPD, Jacob was riding his bike near a deli in the Mount Eden section of the Bronx on Saturday when he was struck by a stray bullet during a shooting. Police say he was an innocent bystander.
The Valley Central School District confirmed Jacob was a current student at Valley Central Middle School.
In a message to the school community Monday, Superintendent Evette Avila called the tragedy an “unthinkable loss” and said grief counselors are available to support students, staff and families as they cope with his death.
Police have arrested 45-year-old William Ferrer, of the Bronx, in connection with the shooting. He is charged with murder, manslaughter and other offenses.
