'Jacob's Law' to be introduced in honor of 12-year-old boy killed by stray bullet outside bodega

Updated 1 hour ago
MOUNT EDEN, The Bronx (WABC) -- Lawmakers announced a new legislation to honor Jacob Freytes, the 12-year-old killed by a stray bullet in the Bronx.

The measure, called 'Jacob's Law,' would ensure stronger criminal penalties when an adult recklessly murders a child.

"I shouldn't have to be going through this" said Migdalia Martinez, Jacob's mother. "I received my son's urn...instead of riding his bike, he's resting in an urn. I want to be at peace, knowing that not only will this man will go to jail for the rest of his life without parole, but also be rest assured that everyone else's child - the person who did it to that child - faces the same exact thing. There is no way a mother should have to outlive her child through such tragedy."

Freytes was killed two weeks ago while sitting on his bike outside a bodega in the Bronx. A fight broke out and someone opened fire, accidentally hitting the boy.

"Jacob's Law" will now be introduced in both chambers of the New York State Legislature.

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