DETROIT – The last time we saw twin brothers Dwight and Duane Samuels in court we learned the night of the shooting they had been celebrating their birthday.
The victim testified, but he asked his identity be kept hidden. Security cameras captured the incident on June 19 inside Nicky D’s Coney Island at 7 Mile and Greenfield roads. Video shows the victim sitting at the counter while waiting for his order. A man and woman are shown entering the restaurant. They asked for fried mushrooms.
The Samuels brothers, 61, were charged with assault with intent to murder, assault with intent to do great bodily harm, felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon and felony firearm. They both pleaded guilty to assault with intent to murder. Sentencing was held on Monday, Nov. 18.
Dwight Samuels was sentenced to 13-30 years in the Michigan Department of Corrections. Duane Samuels was sentenced to 11-30 years in the Michigan Department of Corrections.
While other Nicky D’s locations sell them, this one does not.
Other Nicky D's locations sell fried mushrooms, but the one at Seven Mile and Greenfield roads doesn't, officials said.
The woman was clearly disappointed when she found out they didn't sell fried mushrooms, the victim said.
"(Dwight Samuels) told her they don't sell fried mushrooms," he said.
"Did it appear the defendant was angry the store didn't sell fried mushrooms?" he was asked.
"Yes," he said.
The man and the woman left the restaurant but returned about 20 minutes later with Duane Samuels, according to authorities.
Police said a scuffle broke out and one of the brothers brandished a pipe and hit another customer.
Then, he pulled a gun on the man at the counter, officials said.
"I was holding my hands up, hoping he don't shoot me," the victim said.
He said they pushed him on the floor.
“When the bullet hit, it knocked all my teeth out,” he said.