Fatal shooting of 13-year-old NYC boy likely over gang beef, cops say — while IDing teen suspect

In a heartbreaking turn of events this week, a 13-year-old boy was tragically shot and killed outside a Dunkin’ Donuts in Queens. Authorities have indicated that the murder is likely linked to gang conflict, and they have identified a teenage suspect who remains at large.

Police report that 16-year-old Jaysohn Sykes, a student at Martin Van Buren High School, is believed to be the perpetrator. Witnesses indicated he allegedly arrived on a Razor scooter and shot Sanjay Samuel in the head outside the coffee shop shortly after 8:20 a.m., resulting in him being declared brain dead shortly after the incident, according to NYPD officials.

Cops have revealed that Samuel appeared to have connections with the SSM, or Sex Money Murder gang, a faction associated with the Bloods. However, officials noted that he was not included in the NYPD’s “criminal group database” and had no prior criminal background, as stated by Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny.

Samuel, who went by the moniker “J2 Guns” on social media, was reportedly active online, frequently posting references to his affiliations along with symbols associated with his gang. “He posts regularly showcasing SSM with a drop of blood,” Chief Kenny told reporters.

Investigations reveal that the altercation escalated into a brawl, and as Kenny explained, “Sykes approached the group and confronted them, leading to a heated exchange of words. Then suddenly, chaos broke out as the crowd began to scatter.”

As the situation intensified, Sykes allegedly displayed a handgun, causing panic among those present. “Following that, he left on his scooter, but upon further taunts from the crowd, he returned and physically confronted Samuel,” the chief detailed. “After a scuffle between the two, shots were fired, and Samuel collapsed.”

In a chilling description of the aftermath, a Good Samaritan attempted to halt Sykes’ escape, urging him to surrender and relinquish his firearm, a request the teenager audaciously declined. Instead, Sykes allegedly asked the bystander for a ride.

“The civilian understandably declined but asked for Sykes’ sweatshirt, which he surprisingly handed over, leaving behind a notable piece of evidence,” Kenny remarked, highlighting the light-colored garment that was still at the scene of the crime.

With “probable cause” established to issue an arrest warrant for Sykes, investigations are ongoing. Police have been in touch with the Regional Fugitive Task Force regarding potential arrangements for his surrender. “Based on information from Samuel’s friends, Sykes is known to be a troublemaker in the vicinity,” added Kenny, noting interactions captured on Dunkin’ Donuts security cameras where Sykes was taunted.

Although some of his social media activity suggests gang involvement, Sykes did not explicitly mention any affiliation in his posts. Meanwhile, Samuel’s grieving family is keeping his body on life support in hopes of facilitating an organ donation, as they cope with this heartbreaking tragedy.