A 2025 shooting at a Hempstead house party that left one dead and two wounded has resulted in the alleged suspect, a Baldwin teenager, being indicted this week on multiple charges in connection with the tragic incident, according to the Nassau County District Attorney's office.
Jacob McMillan, 18, of Baldwin, is charged with second-degree murder, attempted murder, criminal use of a firearm, and weapons possession following the shooting death of Amira McCleod of St. Albans, Queens, 19, a sophomore and promising student athlete at Monroe University.
McMillan allegedly attempted to gain entry to a Willow Avenue party on November 22 of last year at approximately 10:50 p.m. However, the host refused to allow McMillan entry after he refused to submit to a pat-down for weapons; at that time, McMillan pulled out a firearm and discharged two shots, with one of them striking the host in the arm, the DA’s office said.
McMillan then fled the scene, and while running south on Kennedy Avenue turned and fired two other shots; one fatally struck McCleod in the head, and wounded another partygoer.
The two wounded individuals were treated at local area hospitals and released; McCleod was killed instantly.
Police tracked down McMillan using surveillance and transit video footage, and eventually placed him under arrest in Baldwin on December 2.
Nassau County DA Anne Donnelly decried the tragic shooting that ruthlessly snuffed out the life of McCleod, who was a guard on Monroe University’s women’s basketball team.
“Amira McCleod was a promising athlete enjoying a night out with friends when she was killed by a stray bullet after a confrontation outside the party,” Donnelly said. “Our thoughts remain with her family, friends, and school community as we prosecute this senseless violence.
McMillan has pleaded not guilty to all charges; if convicted, he faces up to 25 years to life in prison.
Anyone with information related to the case can contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.