William Ferrer Charged in 12-Year-Old Bronx Boy's Killing, Held Without Bail

Q: What crucial clue in the surveillance footage could lead investigators to the shooter who took an innocent 12-year-old's life?

The key clue appears to be the gunman’s image and clothing captured on surveillance video. According to the additional reporting, the footage shows a man pulling a gun and firing multiple rounds during the street fight, and it gives a usable description: he was wearing a white T-shirt, black shorts, a backward black baseball cap, white socks and black slides. That footage is important because it does more than show the tragic aftermath. It reportedly captures the sequence of the argument turning into a brawl, the shooter drawing the weapon, firing toward the group, and then fleeing. Investigators can use those frames to identify the suspect’s face, build, movements and escape path, and compare them with other nearby cameras. The getaway vehicle is another potentially crucial lead, but accounts differ. Some witnesses said the shooter fled in a Jeep, while other reports and police sources said the suspects may have escaped in a black BMW. Detectives will likely use the surveillance footage to determine which vehicle was involved, trace its route and identify its occupants. In short, the strongest clue in the video is the captured view of the shooter himself — especially his distinctive outfit and actions during the gunfire — backed by footage that may also clarify the escape vehicle.

3 articles · Updated · WABC-TV · Jul 27

45-year-old William Ferrer was arraigned in Bronx Criminal Court and ordered held without bail after prosecutors charged him with murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, assault and weapon possession.
Police say Ferrer fired into a group of five people during a gang-related dispute near Elliot Place and Walton Avenue, killing 12-year-old Jacob Freytes, who had gone to a bodega to buy a ball.
Two men — ages 25 and 34 — were also shot and are in stable condition, while investigators said Freytes ran into the store after being hit in the shoulder before collapsing.
Jacob was identified by the Sergeants Benevolent Association as the son of retired NYPD Detective Sgt. Jesus Freytes, and the union urged prosecutors to pursue the case fully.
Ferrer, whose arrest record dates to 1999, is due back in court for grand jury action on July 31 as police tie the shooting to local gang activity involving the Trinitarios and Sev Side Pinni.