13-year-old dies after Queens Dunkin’ Donuts shooting

A 13-year-old boy who was shot in the head outside a Dunkin’ Donuts in Queens on Monday morning has died, police said Wednesday. Sanjay Samuel, a student at Martin Van Buren High School, was struck around 8:20 a.m. when a gunman on a moped opened fire in front of the shop at the corner of Linden and Springfield boulevards in Cambria Heights. He was rushed to Cohen Children’s Medical Center, where he was placed on life support and later died.

Investigators have said there was a dispute between Samuel and his attacker, though it is not clear what sparked the confrontation. A 14-year-old girl who identified herself only as Mora told The Post that Samuel had been a classmate and described him as a "good kid." The shooter fled the scene on the moped after the shooting, police said. Descriptions circulated of a youthful-looking suspect who wore an afro, a black hoodie, black pants and white sneakers, and carried a distinctive backpack with the logo from the JAWS movie.

A GoFundMe page was created to help the family with medical expenses and related costs, according to the reporting. As of Wednesday, no arrests had been announced and authorities urged anyone with information to come forward. The investigation is ongoing, with detectives reviewing surveillance footage and speaking with witnesses as investigators seek a motive and a suspect.

The shooting occurred in a typically busy neighborhood in Queens, drawing immediate attention from police and community members alike. Local officials have stressed the need for ongoing investigations into gun violence in the area and have urged residents to share any information that could assist detectives.

The case adds to a broader nationwide conversation over gun safety and public security, including discussions among New York lawmakers about potential reforms and enforcement strategies. Public safety officials note that investigations of this type require a careful collection of evidence, including surveillance footage, witness accounts and ballistic analysis, to determine motive and identify suspects. The incident is far from isolated; communities across New York have faced a series of high-profile shootings that have intensified calls for policy action and stronger community resources.

Authorities said the investigation remains active as detectives assess surveillance video, review timelines, and pursue any leads that could identify the gunman or establish a motive. In the days ahead, law enforcement officials are expected to provide updates as more information becomes available. The case highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence in urban areas and underscores the complex, sometimes slower-than-anticipated process of bringing cases to justice within dynamic city environments.