13-year-old Sanjay Samuel shot in head outside NYC Dunkin’ Donuts dies

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A tragic incident unfolded on Monday morning outside a Queens Dunkin’ Donuts, resulting in the death of a 13-year-old boy who was shot in the head by a moped-riding assailant. Sanjay Samuel, a student at Martin Van Buren High School, was struck around 8:20 a.m. when the gunman, described by sources as carrying a backpack with the “JAWS” movie logo, opened fire at the corner of Linden and Springfield boulevards in Cambria Heights.

Sanjay Samuel died Wednesday after being struck Monday morning by a gunman – who sources say was toting a backpack with the “JAWS” movie logo – opened fire in front of a Dunkin’ Donut in Queens. gofundme/support-sanjay-samuels-recovery

Despite being rushed to Cohen Children’s Medical Center and placed on life support, Samuel ultimately succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday.

While sources suggest there was a dispute between Samuel and his shooter, the exact cause of the altercation remains unclear. A 14-year-old girl, known only as Mora, shared that Samuel was a former elementary school classmate whom she described as “a good kid.”

Two NYPD crime scene unit officers at the Dunkin' Donuts parking lot where a 13-year-old boy was shot. — No arrests had been made by Wednesday. Kyle Mazza/Shutterstock

Mora recalled Samuel as a quiet individual who had matured over time but remained friendly and approachable. She hinted at a past altercation involving Samuel’s group of friends, suggesting that the shooting may have been a result of prior tensions.

The suspect, described as a youthful individual with an afro hairdo, black hoodie, pants, and white sneakers, fled the scene after the shooting. As of Wednesday, no arrests had been made in connection with the incident.

It is a heartbreaking loss for the community as they mourn the senseless violence that claimed the life of a promising young student. The investigation into the shooting continues as authorities work to bring the perpetrator to justice.