A 16-year-old has been indicted on charges of second-degree murder and weapon possession in connection with the fatal shooting of a 13-year-old boy in Cambria Heights, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced. The incident took place outside a Dunkin' Donuts on Linden Boulevard in the early hours as the younger teenager, Sanjay Samuel, was on his way to school.
"The shooting death of Sanjay Samuel shocked our city," Katz said in a press release. As alleged by the prosecution, the senseless act was carried out by a teenager who drew a gun and shot Samuel in the head following an argument. The accused faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life if convicted. The District Attorney highlighted her office’s commitment to investing in youth services and addressing gun violence.
According to details released by the Queens District Attorney's Office, on September 22, Samuel was confronted by the defendant while walking in front of the Dunkin’ Donuts. An argument ensued, which escalated when the 16-year-old pulled a semi-automatic firearm from his sweatshirt, struck Samuel, and subsequently, after a physical altercation, shot him in the head. Samuel succumbed to his injuries two days later. The defendant surrendered to the police several days after the incident.
Justice Bruna Dibiase of the Queens Supreme Court has ordered the defendant, who resides in South Jamaica, be held on remand, with a return to court set for November 21. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Bureau Chief Barry Frankenstein and Assistant District Attorney Andres Sanchez, under supervision of higher-ups in the District Attorney's Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau.
The NYPD's 105th Detective Squad, led by Detective Matthew Alfino, is responsible for the investigation of this case.
