Marissa Santorelli

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Nov 25, 2025, 5:47 PM

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Updated

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A 19-year-old was shot and killed on Saturday in Hempstead, Long Island, according to Nassau County police.

Amira McCleod was a sophomore at Monroe University in the Bronx. She played for the Monroe Express women's basketball team.

News 12 spoke with Damel Ling, coach of McCleod's basketball team.

"We just played Saturday, had a nice region win. They had a day off on Sunday, where they were supposed to focus on doing some schoolwork to close out the semester strong... And then... that was not the news I expected to wake up to," said Coach Ling.

Coach Ling said McCleod was strong-minded, strong-willed and had a genuine heart.

"Her smile would light up a room... that's something we're definitely going to miss on a daily basis," he said.

McCleod's teammates are distraught. Ling said the university provided counseling and assistance to any of the students who were grieving.

Coach Ling said his focus is now helping the team heal.

"From that point on, it's been my girls... making sure they are good mentally, emotionally, and just being there for them," said Ling.