Orange County student killed by stray bullet in Bronx shooting

Jacob Freytes, 12, the son of a retired New York Police Department sergeant, was struck by a stray bullet in the Bronx while riding his bike on Saturday. MONTGOMERY — A Valley Central middle school student was killed by a stray bullet while riding his bike in the Bronx over the weekend, leaving an Orange County school community grieving and the man who shot him facing a murder charge. Jacob Freytes, 12, was riding outside a bodega in the Bronx on Saturday when he was struck in the shoulder. The son of a retired New York Police Department sergeant, he was one of three people injured in the incident.

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Scoop News DeskOrange County · Published Tuesday, July 28, 2026 at 8:30 PM UTCUpdated Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 12:09 AM UTC

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1 dead — Central middle school student He is charged with murder, two counts of attempted murder, manslaughter, six counts of assault and three counts of criminal possession of a weapon. “It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that one of our middle school students, Jacob Freytes, tragically passed away on Saturday, July 25,” Valley Central School District Superintendent Evette Avila said in a letter to parents. “Our thoughts are with Jacob’s family, friends, and all those impacted by this unthinkable loss.” Avila said counseling is available to students and staff. The following day, the NYPD arrested Ferrer, of the Bronx.

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