The mother of a 12-year-old boy fatally shot in the Bronx has called for stronger measures to combat rising violent crime in New York City, criticizing what she described as lenient policies toward offenders. The boy, Jacob Freytes, was killed by a stray bullet during a shooting outside a local bodega in the South Bronx on Saturday evening.

Jacob’s mother, Migdalia Martinez, 47, said the city has become increasingly dangerous as criminals face fewer repercussions. “Criminals feel more safe now than ever,” Martinez said, attributing the surge in violence to changes in the criminal justice system that, in her view, favor offenders over victims. She pointed to recent reforms that reduce bail and limit prosecutions for misdemeanors, suggesting these have emboldened criminals.

Jacob’s father, retired NYPD Detective Sergeant Jesus Freytes, has been actively working with the district attorney’s office to pursue a murder conviction against the accused shooter, William Ferrer, 45. Ferrer was arraigned Sunday night on charges of murder, assault, and weapons offenses in connection with the shooting, which also injured two other individuals.

According to the criminal complaint, Jacob was struck in the chest and later died at a Bronx hospital. Martinez described the impact of her son’s death on her family, revealing she was bedridden for days following a phone call from her husband informing her of the shooting. A vigil was held Monday outside their apartment building, where neighbors and friends gathered to mourn the boy’s loss.

Martinez lamented the loss of her son and expressed frustration over the city’s removal of certain policing tools, including the stop-and-frisk policy. “If there’s a group of a whole bunch of people, I don’t see why you can’t stop-and-frisk,” she said, arguing that law enforcement needs more authority to intervene proactively.

The mother’s grief has drawn public sympathy, with a GoFundMe campaign raising nearly $15,000 to support her family. New York City Mayor Mamdani also contacted Martinez personally, offering assistance, though she has yet to accept specific aid.

Martinez emphasized that anything less than a murder conviction for Ferrer would be a disservice to victims of gun violence. “He took the life of a child. He was only 12,” she said. She criticized what she sees as disparities in justice, noting that while her son never got to experience milestones such as dating or driving, the accused shooter remains free and continues his life.

Ferrer’s next court appearance is scheduled for Friday, and Martinez plans to attend. She called on authorities to ensure the strongest possible penalties are applied. “A bullet has no name. Bullets can ricochet off a building, or of anything, and anybody could have got hit. Anybody,” she said. “This was murder. You murdered a 12-year-old child.”