Tragic Loss: 13-Year-Old Sanjay Samuel Dies After Shooting Outside Queens Dunkin’ Donuts

In a heartbreaking turn of events, 13-year-old Sanjay Samuel, a student from Martin Van Buren High School, passed away after being shot in the head during a brazen attack on a Monday morning outside a Dunkin’ Donuts in Queens. The incident, which occurred around 8:20 a.m., has left the community in shock.

According to police reports, the gunman—described as a moped-riding young individual sporting a distinctive backpack featuring the logo of the “JAWS” movie—opened fire at the corner of Linden and Springfield boulevards in Cambria Heights. Samuel was rushed to Cohen Children’s Medical Center, where he was placed on life support before succumbing to his injuries on Wednesday.

Sources indicate there may have been a prior dispute between Samuel and his assailant, though details surrounding what triggered the altercation remain unclear. A fellow student, a 14-year-old girl named Mora, remembered Samuel describing him as “a good kid” and stated that they were classmates in elementary school.

Mora recounted her memories of Samuel, stating, “He was a quiet person from when I knew him, but he had matured a bit… He was cool and friendly with everyone.” However, she hinted that the situation may have involved groups of individuals, but she avoided elaborating on the specifics.

The shooter is described as youthful-looking, with an afro hairstyle and dressed in a black hoodie, black pants, and white sneakers, carrying the distinctive backpack. Following the shooting, he fled the scene and, as of Wednesday, no arrests have been made.