Nationwide — Sanjay Samuel, a 13-year-old African American boy who was recently shot in the head in Queens, died two days later in the hospital. Police are still searching for the gunman as his family grieves their loss.
According to CBS News, the shooting happened near a Dunkin’ Donuts in Cambria Heights on Monday morning. Sanjay was rushed to the hospital in critical condition. His mother said doctors declared him brain dead the next day.
On Wednesday, further tests confirmed he had no brain activity. He was pronounced dead at 12:35 p.m. His family said his organs will be donated to help save other lives.
His mother, Vilene Griffith, shared that she last spoke to him before school on Monday. She recalled their exchange of “Love you” before getting the devastating call that changed her world.
His father, Theophilus Samuel, shared how painful it was to sit by his son’s bedside with no chance of recovery. “According to the doctors’ reports, there was nothing more they could have done,” he said.
The family is demanding justice. Sanjay’s uncle, Elvin Griffith, said they want accountability and hope the tragedy leads to changes that will protect their community from more violence.
Now, loved ones are left to face life without him. “There’s no more Sanjay in the house. No more Sanjay in the neighborhood,” his mother said. “Sanjay will be surely missed by everyone.”
Police say they are still investigating and have not confirmed if Sanjay was the intended target. No arrests have been made.