The violent creep accused of killing the innocent 12-year-old son of a retired NYPD cop outside a Bronx bodega was remanded in custody on a slew of serious charges, including second-degree murder.
William Ferrer, 45, was arraigned Sunday night on murder, assault, and weapons charges after police said he started blasting during a fight in the South Bronx on Saturday afternoon, killing 12-year-old Jacob Freytes and wounding two others.
Freytes, the son of a retired Finest, was “struck in the chest” by a stray bullet during the shooting, and died later at a Bronx hospital, according to the criminal complaint.
William Ferrer getting escorted out of the NYPD’s 44th Precinct in The Bronx on July 26, 2026. Kevin C. Downs for NY Post
Freytes was the son of a retired NYPD sergeant. Facbook/El Nene Kai
Two other adult males were also hit, one in the buttocks and one in the foot, the complaint states.
Both were treated at local hospitals.
Ferrer was charged with second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder, first-degree manslaughter, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, according to the complaint.
Jacob Freytes was caught in the middle of a suspected gang-related shooting during his trip to the bodega. United Bodegas of America
Surveillance footage of Jacob running into the store after getting shot in the shoulder. United Bodegas of America
Ferrer, no stranger to cuffs, has a rap sheet dating to 1999, including drug, DWI, and stolen property arrests. Tomas E. Gaston for NY Post
He was remanded in custody, and no details were given about his next court appearance.
Freytes, who had cycled to the bodega on Elliott Place near Grand Concourse to buy a ball, was an innocent bystander when Ferrer allegedly started shooting.
Heartbreaking security video shows the boy watching the fight before a man pulls out a gun and starts shooting, at which point Freytes clutches his chest and runs back into the bodega.
A memorial for Jacob Freytes in his Mt. Eden neighborhood. Marie Pohl/NY Post
The shooting took place directly outside of a Mount Eden bodega. Tomas E. Gaston for NY Post
Police officers investigating a bullet shell casing at the scene of the shooting. Tomas E. Gaston for NY Post
Wearing a plain white T-shirt and black Nike sweatpants, Ferrer showed no emotion as he was led out of the 44th Precinct stationhouse on Sunday afternoon.
A small crowd of bystanders glared at the alleged killer as he was led into a waiting unmarked police car.
Ferrer has a lengthy rap sheet, with half a dozen previous arrests, including drug possession in 2013, marijuana possession in 2009, drunk-driving in 2009, and possession of stolen property in The Bronx in 2004, police sources told The Post.
He was first arrested at least as far back as 1999 for possession of a forced instrument, before being arrested again in 2001 separately for alleged menacing and criminal contempt, sources said.
