Nassau County police say an 18-year-old from Baldwin faces murder and weapons charges in the Nov. 22 triple shooting.
HEMPSTEAD, NY — Nassau County police on Wednesday announced the arrest of 18-year-old Jacob McMillan of Baldwin in the deadly shooting that killed 19-year-old Monroe University basketball player Amira McLeod and wounded two 20-year-old men outside a house party near Willow and Kennedy avenues on Nov. 22.
Investigators said McMillan fired into a crowd after an argument at the party, which drew college students from across Long Island and the city. McLeod, a sophomore guard known as a steady defender, was pronounced dead at the scene. The two men, both Nassau Community College students, were hospitalized and are recovering. McMillan is charged with murder, attempted murder and criminal possession of a weapon, and remains in custody ahead of a court appearance later this week. Detectives are still tracking how the group entered the party and whether McLeod was targeted or struck by stray gunfire.
Police said hosts of the gathering, identified as Nassau Community College students, confronted a group that arrived after seeing a party invite on social media shortly before shots rang out around 11 p.m. Detectives said McMillan had been asked to leave because he was armed. “The suspect backs away from a group of people and begins to shoot a handgun,” Detective Lt. George Darienzo said. Officers responding to 911 calls found McLeod and two men with gunshot wounds near the corner. Roughly two dozen people were present, police said, and detectives have reviewed surveillance video from the block and footage showing the suspect later on a Long Island Rail Road train.
Authorities identified McLeod as a Queens native who lived in dorms tied to Monroe’s New Rochelle campus while playing for the Bronx-based Express. She had played hours earlier in a win over Dutchess Community College. Police said the handgun used in the shooting has not been recovered. McMillan, who was walked from headquarters in handcuffs Wednesday, had “nothing to say,” according to detectives. Prosecutors said he also faces charges in an unrelated September burglary case. Officials have not released the names of the two wounded men. Investigators have not announced a suspected motive, and whether anyone else could face charges remains unknown.
McLeod’s death jolted Monroe University and the wider junior-college basketball community. Coaches described her as a hardworking teammate who talked about opening a clothing and sneaker store after earning a business degree. The team held a moment of silence at its next home game and discussed retiring her number, Coach Damel Ling said. Neighbors near Willow Avenue reported hearing a burst of shots and seeing students run for cover between parked cars. Records show the rental house has hosted student gatherings before, according to residents, who said weekend parties are common when classes are in session.
McMillan was booked on counts of second-degree murder, attempted murder and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon, police said. He pleaded not guilty at an initial appearance and is due back in court Friday. Detectives are seeking additional videos from neighboring homes and businesses and have asked witnesses who left the scene to contact the department. Prosecutors said they will present the case to a grand jury, a standard step that could come within days. If indicted, an arraignment on the indictment would be scheduled, followed by pretrial motions and discovery.
On Wednesday, a small memorial of candles and team colors grew at the corner where McLeod fell. “She made everyone around her better,” Ling said outside practice, his voice low. “The girls are grieving in different ways, but they’re together.” A neighbor on Willow Avenue said she ushered students into her vestibule when shots popped. “It was chaos for a minute, then sirens,” she said. Students who knew the wounded men said they expect both to return to classes when cleared by doctors; the college declined to comment on their conditions beyond saying they were stable.
As of Wednesday night, McMillan remained held while detectives processed evidence and canvassed for the weapon. A grand jury presentation is expected in the coming days, and police said further updates on charges and the investigation could come after Friday’s court session.
Author note: Last updated December 3, 2025.