Queens teen charged after fatally shooting 13-year-old in dunkin’ parking lot

Teen charged with murder after 13-year-old shot in head outside Dunkin’ in Queens

Queens, NY – A 16-year-old from South Jamaica has been charged with murder in the second degree after allegedly shooting a 13-year-old boy in the head during a school morning dispute outside a Dunkin’ in Cambria Heights, Queens.

According to the Queens District Attorney’s Office, the deadly incident unfolded just after 8:15 a.m. on Monday outside the Dunkin’ at 208-15 Linden Boulevard. The victim, identified as 13-year-old Sanjay Samuel, was on his way to school when he encountered the defendant, who approached on a scooter. The two teens exchanged words before the altercation escalated.

Prosecutors say the teen suspect pulled a loaded semi-automatic handgun from the pocket of his sweatshirt and struck Samuel in the face. The 13-year-old punched back, prompting the older teen to aim the weapon and fire a single round into the victim’s head before fleeing south on Nashville Boulevard.

Samuel was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he remained in critical condition until he was pronounced dead two days later.

The 16-year-old suspect turned himself in to police at the 105th Precinct on Friday morning. He was arraigned Saturday before Judge Eugene D. Bowen on charges of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He was ordered held without bail and is due back in court on September 29.

If convicted, the teen faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Bureau Chief Barry Frankenstein and Assistant District Attorney Andres Sanchez, under the supervision of Bureau Chief Jonathan Sennett of the Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau and Executive Assistant District Attorney for Investigations Gerard Brave.

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Key Points

A 16-year-old has been charged with murder in the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Sanjay Samuel in Cambria Heights
The shooting happened after a verbal altercation outside a Dunkin’ as the victim was heading to school
The teen suspect fled but later surrendered and faces up to 25 years to life if convicted

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Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

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Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

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