Mayor says teen shot in head believed to be gang related as NYPD releases images of suspect
CAMBRIA HEIGHTS, Queens (WABC) -- Mayor Eric Adams said the fatal shooting of the 13-year-old boy in Queens is believed to be gang-related.
On Thursday, the NYPD released images of the suspect wanted in the deadly shooting.
The mayor blamed the criminal justice reform laws that have resulted in younger and younger shooting victims.
"We will find the person responsible. We are going to ensure they are brought to justice," Adams said.
Police said the person of interest is a 16-year-old boy who attends the nearby Campus Magnet High School. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie, black pants, white sneakers and a backpack with the "JAWS" logo.
Detectives said they know his identity and are now working with an attorney to broker his surrender.
The family of 13-year-old Sanjay Samuel spoke outside Cohen's Children's Hospital on Wednesday, announcing that the teen had died.
Police say Samuel, a high school freshman, was in the Dunkin' Donuts parking lot with his friends on Monday morning when someone rolled up on the group on a scooter, and immediately sparked an argument. A fight ensued, with the victim throwing punches at the person of interest, who allegedly pulled his weapon and fired a shot, hitting the 13-year-old in the head.
Surveillance video shows a boy running into a deli, appearing to tell other kids what happened. They come outside, stunned and upset.
Detectives also recovered surveillance video that indicates the shooting was targeted.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public may also submit tips online at Crime Stoppers website or via X @NYPDTips.
All calls are strictly confidential.
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