Jacob McMillan, an 18-year-old resident of Baldwin, was apprehended by Nassau County police on Wednesday in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred on November 22. The incident resulted in the death of 19-year-old Monroe University basketball player, Amira McLeod, and left two 20-year-old men injured. The shooting took place outside a house party near Willow and Kennedy avenues.
According to investigators, McMillan discharged his firearm into a crowd following a dispute at the party, which was attended by college students from across Long Island and the city. McLeod, a sophomore guard recognized for her defensive skills, was declared dead at the scene. The two injured men, both students at Nassau Community College, were taken to the hospital and are currently recuperating.
McMillan is facing charges of murder, attempted murder, and criminal possession of a weapon. He is currently in custody awaiting a court appearance later this week. Detectives are still investigating how the group gained entry to the party and whether McLeod was the intended target or a victim of random gunfire.
The hosts of the party, also Nassau Community College students, reportedly confronted a group that had arrived after seeing an invitation to the party on social media. This confrontation occurred shortly before the shooting, which took place around 11 p.m. McMillan had been asked to leave the party due to being armed, detectives said.
McLeod, a native of Queens, resided in dorms associated with Monroe’s New Rochelle campus while playing for the Bronx-based Express. She had participated in a game against Dutchess Community College just hours before the shooting. The handgun used in the shooting has not been recovered.
McMillan, who was escorted from police headquarters in handcuffs on Wednesday, declined to comment, according to detectives. He is also facing charges in a separate burglary case from September. The names of the two injured men have not been released, and investigators have yet to announce a suspected motive or whether additional charges could be filed.
McLeod’s death has sent shockwaves through Monroe University and the broader junior-college basketball community. Her coaches remembered her as a dedicated teammate who aspired to open a clothing and sneaker store after earning a business degree. A moment of silence was held in her honor at the team’s next home game, and there has been discussion about retiring her number.
McMillan pleaded not guilty at his initial court appearance and is due back in court on Friday. Detectives are seeking additional surveillance footage from neighboring homes and businesses and have asked witnesses who left the scene to come forward. The case is expected to be presented to a grand jury in the coming days.