Family remains hopeful for 13-year-old boy in coma after being shot in the head on a Queens street.
The tragic situation surrounding a 13-year-old boy who was shot in the head while on his way to school in Queens has left his family in despair as they grapple with the potential loss of a vibrant young life. Sanjay Samuel, who was shot outside a Dunkin’ Donuts in Cambria Heights on September 22, 2025, remains in critical condition, sustained by life support while doctors caution his family about the likelihood of recovery.
As doctors at Cohen Children’s Medical Center monitor Sanjay’s deteriorating condition, his father, Theophilus Samuel, expressed the family’s hope for a miracle, acknowledging the grim prognosis provided by the medical team. Despite their ongoing prayers, the family has received reports that believe Sanjay is unlikely to ever regain consciousness. The bullet that struck him is lodged in his brain, exacerbating the swelling and damage, with medical professionals advising against surgical intervention due to the associated risks.
The incident has drawn attention not only for its heart-wrenching nature but also as a stark reminder of the issues of youth violence in New York City. Surveillance footage captured the shocking moment of the shooting. Sanjay was reportedly with friends when a gunman approached, engaged in a brief confrontation, and then shot him. Local law enforcement officials have identified a suspect and are actively pursuing leads, but no arrests have yet been made.
As the Samuel family waits anxiously for news regarding Sanjay’s condition, community members and family have mobilized support, establishing a GoFundMe campaign to assist with mounting medical expenses. Sanjay’s mother, Vilene Griffith, recalled her son as an active and joyful child with dreams of becoming a firefighter and a fondness for basketball and music.
This incident echoes the profound tragedy previously experienced by the community. The location of the shooting is particularly poignant, having been the site where another young boy, 13-year-old Kevin Miller, was killed by a stray bullet in 2009. Kevin’s mother, Donna Hood-Greaves, spoke out against the cycle of violence, sharing her heartbreak upon learning of another child suffering a similar fate.
Sanjay’s family, while facing the potential loss of their beloved son, continues to advocate for peace and urges the community to take action against senseless violence. As they endure this harrowing time, they cling to hope and the belief in miracles, alongside the tragic recognition that too many families have endured similar heartbreak due to gun violence.
Community leaders and Mayor Eric Adams have also expressed their dismay over the rising violence impacting young lives, reiterating the urgency of addressing gun accessibility and promoting safety in neighborhoods across the city. As the Samuel family navigates this unimaginable ordeal, calls for justice and a tangible change persist.
