New York State Senator Steve Chan announced on the 8th the proposal of “Jacob’s Law” in memory of 12-year-old boy Jacob Freytes, who was fatally shot two weeks ago in the Bronx. The bill aims to amend the state’s criminal law, elevating the penalties for reckless killing of minors under 18 by adults. Offenders who meet the criteria for first or second-degree murder could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment without parole.
Two weeks ago, Jacob was riding his bike outside a store in the Bronx when a fight broke out and shots were fired, resulting in his tragic death. Family members stated that Jacob was not the intended target of the shooter but an innocent victim of street violence.
At a press conference, Jacob’s mother, Migdalia Martinez, expressed that her son should have been riding his bike and living life with his family, but now he remains in an urn. She hopes that the law will make those thinking of firing guns in public think twice, stating that “Jacob’s Law may not solve all the problems, but it is at least a first step. If we can help save even one life, it’s meaningful to me.”
Senator Steve Chan acknowledged that while the shooter may not have intentionally targeted Jacob, the reckless act of shooting that resulted in the death of a child must be held accountable. He thanked Senator Steve Rhoads for cosponsoring the bill and Assemblyman John Mikulin for introducing the same legislation in the Assembly.
Republican candidate for New York State Attorney General, Saritha Komatireddy, stated at a press conference that in the past 8 years, 33 children have been victims of gun violence in New York City and across the state, from the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens to Buffalo, Syracuse, and Rochester. She emphasized that public safety should not be a political issue and that this bill responds to the calls from a grieving mother and the community to hold individuals accountable. She added, “Jacob’s Law sends a clear message – if you take the life of a child, you will be sentenced to life imprisonment.”