Thirteen-Year-Old Shot Dead In Queens, Teen Suspect Now In Custody

A 16-year-old boy suspected of fatally shooting a 13-year-old outside a Dunkin’ Donuts in Queens earlier this week surrendered to police Friday afternoon, according to law enforcement sources, as reported by The New York Post.

The suspect, identified as Jaysohn Sykes, a student at Campus Magnet High School, turned himself in at the 105th Precinct around noon.

His surrender came one day after the NYPD publicly identified him as the individual sought in the killing of 13-year-old Sanjay Samuel on Monday morning in Springfield Gardens.

⚠️ WARNING: This post contains graphic descriptions of the murder of a child.

The 13-year-old boy who was shot in the head outside a Queens Dunkin’ Donuts on Monday morning has tragically died from his injuries, police announced.

The victim has been identified as Sanjay Samuel,… pic.twitter.com/2dOzVxuwaZ

— True Crime Updates (@TrueCrimeUpdat) September 25, 2025

Police said the shooting occurred after a confrontation escalated into a physical fight. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny provided a timeline of events during a Thursday briefing.

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“He walks up to the group and confronts them. They’re yelling back and forth. Suddenly, the group scatters,” Kenny said.

“At this point, our perpetrator pulls out and displays a pistol, which causes the crowd to disperse a little bit,” Kenny continued.

“The perpetrator gets back on the scooter to leave. The crowd starts yelling at him again. He comes back, at which point he gets into a physical fight with our victim. They start throwing punches at each other, and then a shot is fired. He goes down. Our perpetrator flees the scene.”

Sanjay, who went by “J2 Guns” on Instagram, died at the scene. Police said he was not listed in the NYPD’s criminal group database and had no prior criminal history.

However, investigators noted he had posted on social media about the SSM, or Sex Money Murder gang, a Bloods subset, raising questions about a possible gang-related motive. His family has denied any gang involvement.

Sykes, who uses the nickname “Flex,” has posted social media content featuring a blood drop symbol, though police said his posts do not explicitly reference gang membership.

The 13-year-old boy gunned down outside a Queens Dunkin’ Donuts this week was likely slain over a gang beef.

Cops believe the still-at-large suspect — 16-year-old Martin Van Buren High School student Jaysohn Sykes — rolled up on a Razor scooter and shot young Sanjay Samuel in… pic.twitter.com/pFaNJG9a6m

— Crime In NYC (@Crime_In_NYC) September 25, 2025

Investigators believe the fight and shooting may have been influenced by gang-related tensions, but the exact motive remains under investigation.

Sources told reporters that the U.S. Marshals Service assisted in arranging Sykes’ surrender. As of Friday evening, charges against him had not yet been announced.

The investigation is ongoing, with detectives reviewing surveillance video, witness statements, and social media activity as they work to build the case. Authorities said more details will be released once charges are formally filed.

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