The career criminal charged with killing an innocent 12-year-old son of a retired NYPD cop in the Bronx was too much of a coward to face the victim’s family, who packed the courtroom Friday for the routine hearing.

William Ferrer, 45, was a no-show in Bronx Criminal Court — just days after he was slapped with a slew of serious charges, including second-degree murder, for allegedly killing 12-year-old Jacob Freytes and wounding two others last Saturday in the Mount Eden section of the Bronx.

Ferrer, who was brought to the courthouse by the Department of Corrections, had his appearance waived last minute by his attorney Raymond Gazer as both Freytes’ mom and dad, along with other family members, sat inside the courtroom to face their son’s alleged killer.

William Ferrer, 45, who was charged with killing 12-year-old Jacob Freytes, the son of a retired NYPD officer, was a no-show in Bronx Criminal Court days after he was slapped with a series of charges for his role in the murder. Kyle Mazza/Shutterstock

Freytes, the son of retired NYPD Det. Sgt. Jesus Freytes, was caught in the crossfire during the afternoon gunfire outside Wanda Deli Grocery — where he was struck in the chest by a bullet and died later at a Bronx hospital, prosecutors have said.

Freytes’ anguished mother, Migdalia Martinez, told The Post in an exclusive interview that she fears her son’s murder is just the latest example of crime on the rise throughout the city.

Ferrer was charged with second-degree murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, assault and criminal possession of a weapon after he allegedly fatally wounded Freytes while also injuring two others in the Mount Eden section of the Bronx. James Keivom for NY Post

“The system works more for the criminal than they’re gonna work for the victim,” Martinez said in the fiery interview, while criticizing lawmakers for making the city a playground for criminals.

“The city’s making it easier for the criminal. It’s too much. Criminals aren’t scared anymore, the laws aren’t tough anymore,” she said Wednesday.

According to law-enforcement sources, Ferrer — who has a half dozen previous arrests — was trying to settle some beef for his brother with the other men when he opened fire, striking Freytes.

Migdalia Martinez, the mother of the slain Jacob Freytes, told The Post that she’s afraid that her son’s murder is another example of ongoing crime across the Big Apple. James Keivom for NY Post

Two men were also hit during the shooting, one in the buttocks and one in the foot, according to the criminal complaint.

Freytes was struck after biking over to the bodega to buy a ball, prosecutors have said.

Heartbreaking security footage showed the poor boy watching the fight before a man pulled out a gun and started shooting, at which point Freytes is seen clutching his chest and running back into the bodega.

Sources said Ferrer was trying to settle some beef for his brother before shots were fired, killing Freytes in the process, as one man was also shot in the buttocks, followed by another getting shot in the foot. James Keivom for NY Post

In court Friday, prosecutors said they were in the process of presenting the case to a grand jury to secure an indictment on murder and other charges.

Bronx Criminal Court judge Joseph Sorrentino ordered the brute to remain remanded on Rikers Island until his next court appearance on Sept. 17.

Ferrer is charged with murder, attempted murder, manslaughter, assault and criminal possession of a weapon in connection with the shooting.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani attended a vigil for Freytes on Friday night, as he told mourners, “This has been a murder that has shaken this entire neighborhood, borough, and city.” James Keivom for NY Post

He faces up to life in prison if convicted on the top charge.

Loved ones and politicians, including Mayor Zohran Mamdani, attended a vigil for Freytes Friday night at the scene of the senseless shooting.

“This has been a murder that has shaken this entire neighborhood, borough, and city,” Mamdani said.

The career criminal will remain at Rikers Island until his next court appearance on Sept. 17 and, if convicted on the top charge, could spend the rest of his life behind bars. James Keivom for NY Post

“Too many children are being stolen from our city. Too many moments where it becomes too easy to accept gun violence as if it is normal. We will not accept this in this city,” he added.

The youngster’s mom, Martinez, shed tears for her slain son as she spoke to the crowd.

“I would have never thought his life would end here,” she said.