A Queens community is mourning the death of 13-year-old Sanjay Samuel, who succumbed to his injuries two days after being shot in the head near a Dunkin’ Donuts in Cambria Heights on Monday morning.
According to CBS News, Sanjay was rushed to the hospital in critical condition, where doctors later declared him brain dead. Further testing on Wednesday confirmed no brain activity, and he was officially pronounced dead at 12:35 p.m. His family said his organs will be donated to help save the lives of others.
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His mother, Vilene Griffith, recalled their final exchange before school that morning: “Love you,” she told him, not knowing it would be the last time. “There’s no more Sanjay in the house. No more Sanjay in the neighborhood. Sanjay will surely be missed by everyone.”
His father, Theophilus Samuel, described the heartbreak of sitting by his son’s bedside with no hope of recovery. “According to the doctors’ reports, there was nothing more they could have done,” he said.
Family members are demanding justice. His uncle, Elvin Griffith, said the tragedy must not be in vain. “We want accountability, and we hope this leads to change that will protect our community from more violence,” he said.
Police have not confirmed whether Sanjay was the intended target of the shooting. No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.
