On the night of November 22, 2025, a **deadly shooting erupted outside a house party in Hempstead, Long Island**, resulting in the death of a 19-year-old college student and injuries to two other young adults. Within days, Nassau County law enforcement identified and arrested an 18-year-old suspect believed to be responsible for the violence.
According to police and confirmed reports, shots were fired in the vicinity of Willow Avenue and Kennedy Avenue just before 11 p.m. while roughly two dozen partygoers were in attendance. The gathering, which was hosted by students from Nassau Community College, drew a mix of invited guests and others who may have arrived after seeing a social media invitation.
The aftermath of the shooting left the local community shaken and sparked ongoing investigation and outreach by authorities seeking additional information from the public.
Victims and Immediate Response
Emergency responders located three individuals suffering from gunshot wounds at the scene. A 19-year-old woman, later identified as **Amira McLeod**, was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. Two 20-year-old men were transported to nearby hospitals and reported to be in stable condition after receiving treatment for their injuries.
McLeod was a sophomore studying at Monroe University’s Bronx campus and a valued member of the women’s basketball team. She was described by her coaches and teammates as **talented, respected, and beloved** within the athletic community. Her death triggered an outpouring of grief from classmates, teammates, and friends across Long Island and beyond.
Authorities confirmed that McLeod was **not believed to be the intended target of the shooting**. At the time of the incident, party hosts and several guests were socializing outside when shots rang out, prompting witnesses to flee and seek cover.
Investigation Details
The **Nassau County Police Department’s Homicide Squad** took the lead in the investigation. Early in the probe, detectives responded after a ShotSpotter activation detected gunfire in the area. At the scene, officers identified the three shooting victims and secured evidence for further analysis.
Investigators examined surveillance footage from cameras in the area and obtained statements from witnesses. According to police, the suspect was seen approaching the party and becoming involved in a dispute with the host at the home before withdrawing and firing shots. Officers noted that the suspect had initially been asked to leave the party, reportedly because he was armed and had been involved in an earlier altercation outside the residence.
Further evidence included video showing the suspect being patted down outside the party and footage from a Long Island Rail Road train later that night, which helped law enforcement build a timeline leading up to the arrest.
Arrest and Charges
On December 3, 2025, Nassau County police announced the arrest of **18-year-old Jacob McMillan**, a resident of Baldwin, Long Island. McMillan was charged with multiple felony counts, including:
- Murder in the Second Degree for the death of Amira McLeod.
- Attempted Murder in the Second Degree related to injuries inflicted on the two male victims.
- Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (two counts).
- Burglary in the Second Degree, stemming from an unrelated case.
McMillan pled not guilty at his arraignment and is being held without bail. Prosecutors and defense attorneys have since prepared for upcoming pre-trial proceedings. At the time of this report, **the weapon used in the shooting had not yet been recovered**, and detectives continue to search for additional evidence and insights to support the prosecution’s case.
Community Response
The shooting sent shockwaves through the Long Island community. Monroe University issued statements expressing deep sorrow over the loss of one of its students and offering support to McLeod’s family and teammates. The women’s basketball team held a moment of silence at subsequent games and discussed honoring her memory through actions both on and off the court.
Teammates, coaches, and classmates described McLeod as not just a standout athlete but someone with dreams beyond basketball, including aspirations to own a clothing and sneaker store. Friends remembered her as a vibrant young woman whose life and potential were tragically cut short.
Local residents and student groups also called for increased attention to public safety and gun violence prevention, urging fellow citizens to assist law enforcement with any information linked to the case through Nassau County Crime Stoppers.
Law Enforcement and Ongoing Investigations
Nassau County police reinforced their commitment to holding those responsible for violent crime accountable. Detectives continued canvassing the area, reviewing additional footage, interviewing witnesses, and following leads to piece together a fuller picture of the events leading up to and following the shooting.
Authorities reiterated that while McMillan was charged and in custody, **the investigation remained open**. Police urged anyone with information—no matter how minor—to come forward through Crime Stoppers or direct contact with the Nassau County Police Department. Anonymity was assured for those providing tips that could assist in the case.
This incident also prompted broader discussions among law enforcement agencies across Long Island about strategies for reducing gun violence, increasing community engagement, and preventing uninvited individuals from crashing social events where tensions can escalate.
Profile of the Victims and Suspect
Amira McLeod was a 19-year-old Queens native studying at Monroe University. As a standout guard on the Monroe University Express women’s basketball team, she had become both a leader on the court and a mentor to freshmen teammates. Friends and family remembered her for her warm personality, competitive drive, and dreams of future entrepreneurial success.
The two injured 20-year-old men were students enrolled at Nassau Community College and were reportedly attending or helping host the party when the shooting occurred. Following medical treatment, both were reported to be in stable condition and released from hospital care.
Jacob McMillan, the suspect, was described by authorities as an 18-year-old with prior arrests. Police indicated that he may have tried to enter the party without invitation, leading to a confrontation with the host and culminating in gunfire. McMillan’s arrest and charging marked a significant step in the case, though legal proceedings remain ongoing as his defense prepares responses to the serious allegations.
Legal and Judicial Proceedings
Following the arrest, McMillan was arraigned in Hempstead and pled not guilty to all charges. Prosecutors are expected to present evidence at subsequent hearings, including surveillance video, witness testimony, and forensic findings. Legal experts anticipate that pre-trial motions and potential hearings on admissibility of evidence will be central to courtroom developments.
The defense may seek to challenge aspects of the prosecution’s case, including the reliability of witness statements, interpretations of video footage, and the sequence of events leading to the shooting. Meanwhile, prosecutors will argue that the combination of video evidence, investigative findings, and eyewitness accounts justify moving forward toward trial.
Conclusion
The **Hempstead house party shooting** that claimed the life of a promising young college athlete and injured two others has become a focal point for discussions on public safety, gun violence, and community vigilance on Long Island. With the arrest and charging of an 18-year-old suspect, law enforcement has taken a major step toward accountability, but the legal process and search for justice continue.
The incident underscores the profound impact of gun violence on families, friends, and entire communities, reinforcing the need for collaborative efforts between police, community leaders, and residents to prevent similar tragedies in the future and to ensure that those responsible are held to account under the law.
