QUEENS, NY — A 13-year-old boy named Sanjay Samuel remains in a coma after being shot in the head outside a Dunkin’ Donuts in Cambria Heights on September 19, 2025. His father, Theophilus Samuel, says doctors have given them little hope, but the family is holding out for a miracle as Sanjay clings to life.
What Happened
Sanjay was shot in the back of the head after an altercation with a young gunman who pulled up on a scooter in a strip mall parking lot. Surveillance footage shows the suspect arguing with Sanjay before firing a single shot. The bullet lodged in Sanjay’s brain, causing extensive damage. Sanjay was rushed to Cohen Children’s Medical Center and has been on life support since the incident.
Doctors have told the family that his condition is grim. His death certificate listed cerebral edema as the cause of death, but his father believes the surgery was necessary and that a cover-up may be involved. Sanjay’s heart is still beating, but doctors suspect he may be brain dead, with the family continuing to hope against the odds.
What the Family Says
Sanjay’s father, Theophilus Samuel, is devastated by his son’s condition. “I would like him to get a second chance in life,” he said, holding on to hope. The family is praying for a miracle despite the doctors’ grim prognosis. Sanjay had always dreamed of becoming a firefighter and was passionate about basketball, music, and life.
“He loves playing basketball, going fishing, and dancing,” his mother, Vilene Griffith, wrote on the family’s GoFundMe page. “His passion for music, especially playing the drums, fills our home with energy.” Sanjay had just started ninth grade at Martin Van Buren High School and was hoping to try out for the basketball team.
Investigation and Public Reaction
The police have identified a suspect and are searching for him. The NYPD is actively investigating the shooting, but no arrests have been made yet. Surveillance footage shows the gunman firing at Sanjay from close range.
City leaders, including Mayor Eric Adams, have expressed their outrage at the senseless violence. “There is nothing more devastating than yet another child becoming a victim of senseless gun violence,” Adams said. “Our hearts ache with the family and friends of this 13-year-old who is fighting for his life because of this epidemic.”
The location of the shooting, near Springfield and Linden Boulevards, is eerily familiar—just a short distance from where Kevin Miller Jr., a 13-year-old boy, was killed by a stray bullet in 2009. Kevin’s mother, Donna Hood-Greaves, shared her grief with the Samuel family, expressing her solidarity as they navigate this heartbreaking experience.
The Road Ahead
Sanjay’s family is asking for support from the community, both through their GoFundMe campaign and by helping to spread the word. They continue to hope that someone will come forward with information that could help solve the case and bring the shooter to justice.
Closing Line
This story may be updated with more information as the investigation continues and Sanjay’s condition evolves.
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