The fatal shooting of a 12-year-old Valley Central Middle School student is renewing a push for tougher penalties in child murder cases.

As News 12 previously reported, Jacob Freytes was killed by stray bullet while riding his bike Saturday in The Bronx. A 45-year-old man was arrested in connection with the shooting the following day.

MORE: Mother, community mourns 12-year-old boy killed in Bronx shooting

Assemblyman Brian Maher is now calling on lawmakers to pass the Danny Meyer Act, which would require life in prison without the possibility of parole for adults convicted of first or second-degree murder of a child under 13.

The bill is named after 12-year-old Danny Meyer, who was fatally stabbed in 1996 while walking to a Little League game in Maybrook.

The suspect, 22-year-old Juan Peinado, had been posing as a minor and going to Valley Central Middle School at the time. He was later convicted of murder and sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.

Maher says the legislation would spare families from having to relive their loss through repeated parole hearings.

This is a familiar struggle for Meyer’s loved ones, who have had to confront the possibility of his killer being released on numerous occasions.

Peinado’s most recent parole request was denied in 2025. He will be eligible for the fourth time in eight years in 2027.

Assemblyman Maher urges lawmakers to support and pass the Danny Meyer Act during the next legislative session.

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