Left: Amira McCleod. Right: McCleod's teammates display a photo of her.

By Michael Mashburn From Daily Voice

An 18-year-old man has been arrested after police say he opened fire at a Long Island house party, killing a standout Monroe University basketball player and wounding two others.

Jacob McMillan, of Baldwin, was taken into custody by Nassau County Police Wednesday, Dec. 3, in connection with the Nov. 22 shooting in Hempstead that claimed the life of 19-year-old Amira McCleod.

Investigators said McMillan arrived at a house party near Willow Avenue and Kennedy Avenue shortly before 11 p.m., where a crowd of college students had gathered. The host confronted attendees at the door to ensure no one brought a weapon inside.

McMillan allegedly argued with the host before stepping back from a group and firing three shots into the crowd, Det. Lt. George Darienzo said at a press conference Wednesday.

A ShotSpotter alert sent officers to the location around 10:50 p.m. They found McCleod and two 20-year-old men suffering from gunshot wounds. McCleod died at the scene. The two men were hospitalized and remain in stable condition.

McMillan did not know the victims, police said, and investigators have found no evidence of gang involvement. The Nassau County District Attorney’s Office is reviewing the case and that additional arrests are possible.

McMillan was arraigned Wednesday in Nassau County Court on charges of second-degree murder and attempted murder. He was remanded to jail without bail.

The teen has a criminal history, court records show, with prior arrests earlier this fall for burglary and criminal possession of stolen property over $3,000.

McCleod, a sophomore guard from Queens, was a starter on the Monroe University Express women’s basketball team and was studying business. She hoped to open her own clothing and sneaker store, according to her team biography.

Monroe University officials described her as a gifted athlete and an uplifting presence on campus.

“Amira was not only a standout student-athlete but also a vibrant, uplifting presence,” athletics director David Spiegel said. Women’s Basketball Head Coach Damel Ling called her “the heart of our team,” noting her dedication, positivity, and strong work ethic.

Anyone with additional information in the case is asked to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous.