A 13-year-old boy, who was shot outside a Dunkin’ Donuts in Queens, is believed to have died on Thursday, according to police reports.
Authorities claim that Jane Sykes, a 16-year-old student at Martin Van Buren High School, remains a key suspect in the incident that occurred around 8:20 AM on Monday. Sykes allegedly shot Sanjay Samuel while riding a Razor scooter.
Detective Joseph Kenney mentioned that Samuel seemed to have connections to a gang known as SSM, which is linked to criminal activities.
Interestingly, despite identifying himself as part of a gang on social media, Samuel was not included in the NYPD’s crime database and had no prior run-ins with the law.
“He posts frequently about his affiliations,” Kenney noted during a press briefing.
It’s believed that Sykes, known as “Flex,” was involved in the altercation that led to Samuel’s fatal shooting.
According to Kenney, there was a confrontation where Sykes approached the group, leading to a yelling match just before chaos unfolded.
“The assailant brandished a gun, causing the crowd to scatter,” he explained.
After initially leaving on the scooter, Sykes returned and got into a physical confrontation with Samuel.
In the ensuing scuffle, shots were fired, and Samuel fell to the ground as Sykes fled the scene.
There was an attempt from a passerby to intervene, but Sykes instead sought to take the bystander’s sweatshirt as a keepsake.
Kenney described a strange moment where the bystander tried to reason with Sykes, who still ended up taking the clothing. “Somehow he got the sweatshirt, which may help us identify him,” he added.
Police have established grounds to arrest Sykes as they coordinate with a task force to facilitate his surrender.
Victims’ friends have characterized Sykes as a known troublemaker. Kenney reported that video evidence from Dunkin’ Donuts captures taunts exchanged between the youths during the altercation.
Moreover, Sykes has shared posts containing blood, hinting at gang affiliations, though he hasn’t explicitly mentioned involvement with any well-known gangs.
As the investigation continues, Samuel’s family clings to the hope of organ donation while he remains on life support.
