A 19-year-old college basketball player was tragically shot and killed on Long Island Saturday night, just hours after setting a record for playing the most minutes this season.
Amira McLeod, a guard for Monroe College from Queens, was shot outside her Hempstead home close to 11 p.m., as reported by police and various media outlets.
During a gathering at the location, gunfire erupted, injuring two 20-year-old men who were students at Nassau Community College, CBS2 reported.
McLeod was found dead at the scene, while the two men were taken to the hospital and are reported to be in stable condition, according to Nassau police.
Authorities have not determined if the victims were specifically targeted. No arrests have been made yet, and the investigation is ongoing, police stated.
Witness Makayil Muhammad recounted the chaotic situation, explaining how the incident unfolded without any warning.
“I was inside when I heard the gunshots, and then everyone started running. The police arrived quickly,” he shared with CBS.
“Everything happened outside. We didn’t see it coming.”
McLeod’s life was cut short after just nine games into her sophomore season. Her team, the Express, had achieved an impressive 8-1 record so far.
Earlier that day, she had played a season-high of 30 minutes in the team’s 67-44 victory against Dutchess Community College.
She had chosen Monroe College because she wanted to be in an environment that valued both her and her future. Her profile on the team’s website notes her aspiration to further her education at a four-year institution after Monroe.
McLeod dreamed of one day opening her own clothing and sneaker store.
In a statement, Monroe College acknowledged McLeod as a “valued member of the Express girls basketball team,” expressing that the community is “devastated by this tragic loss.”
“We are in close contact with Amira’s family, teammates, and roommates, providing them with our complete support as they navigate this unimaginable loss.”
