Tragic final moments of innocent boy, 12, gunned down riding his new bike to the shops

Tragic final moments of innocent boy, 12, gunned down riding his new bike to the shops Jacob Freytes only received the hand-me-down bike a day earlier, neighbours said, as New York mayor Zohran Mamdani has condemned the killing, thought to be the result of gangland violence A 12-year-old has been tragically shot dead outside a New York City corner shop while nipping out on his new bike. Jacob Freytes was gunned down shortly before 5pm on Saturday (July 25) in The Bronx. CCTV showed Jacob was hit by a stray bullet outside the Wanda Deli Grocery on Elliott Place. He then ‘staggered’ back inside the shop, clutching his chest, before tragically passing away, reports the New York Post. “I saw him just before he left,” neighbour Walter Calon, 56, recalled. “I shook his hand and said, ‘look out for your little brother and sister.’ “And then less than a half-hour later, I got a call from my mom and I just dropped the phone right out of my hand.” Jacob’s father is retired NYPD sergeant Jesus Freytes, the news outlet said. It appears Jacob’s killing was a case of being in ‘the wrong place at the wrong time’, his distraught friend, Marlyn Rosario, said. It’s thought Jacob cycled to the convenience store — known as bodegas in New York — on a hand-me-down bike he only received a day earlier. Marlyn’s mother, Miledy Rosario, said she bought her daughter a new bike and gave it to Jacob on Friday (July 24) after his parents agreed to the gift. Jacob’s area of The Bronx, Mount Eden, is reportedly known for its gang violence. Police are now investigating if the two most notorious organised crime groups — Trinitarios and Sev Side Pinni — are behind the killing. Allegedly, the killer got into an altercation outside Wanda Deli Grocery which escalated up to the point where a gun was pulled and fired. Another two people were hurt in the incident, according to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. He condemned the violence in a statement released hours after Jacob’s death. Mayor Mamdani said: “A 12-year-old was shot and killed in the Bronx earlier today. My heart breaks for his family, friends and all those who loved him. “Their loss is unimaginable. I am praying for the speedy recovery of the other two victims of this shooting. I’m grateful for the hospital staff, and the NYPD for their work to find those responsible for this heinous act. “Our children should be able to ride their bikes on a nice summer day in their neighbourhood without fear of being shot. We cannot accept this violence as normal.” Both of Jacob’s parents are said to be ‘devastated’. Mount Eden neighbours have remembered the 12-year-old as ‘a bright kid’. Walter Calon added: “He always saluted me. “He was a bright kid. He played sports — he’s always playing here in the front court. “I saw him grow up. He’s a good kid. I don’t understand.’’ Julio Lopez, close to the Freytes family, said: “He was adventurous. He was a free spirit. He was different. He lived on his own terms, and he was only 12. “He was happy. He was chipper. He was saying hi to the guys up the block. He showed respect. He was a good kid.”