Officials: Recent Amityville High School grad killed by her father

An 18-year-old woman who was fatally shot last week in Virginia, allegedly by her father, had graduated in June from Amityville High School, school officials said.

The mother of Vanessa Zaman, who was killed along with her cousin, said the women had fled the shooting suspect’s Florida home about a week before.

Zaman’s mother, Saveeta Barnes, told The Richmond Times-Dispatch her daughter had moved from Long Island to Orlando, Florida, in October to live with her father, Abdool Zaman, 39. Barnes said Abdool Zaman had a 3-month-old baby with his brother’s stepdaughter, Leona Samlall, 18.

Vanessa Zaman and Samlall were shot to death in Highland Springs, Virginia, Dec. 13, and Abdool Zaman was arrested Tuesday in Queens and charged with second-degree murder, authorities said.

Henrico County, Virginia, Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor said the baby’s identity is under investigation.
The newspaper couldn’t reach Abdool Zaman’s court-appointed attorney.

Amityville Union Free School District Superintendent Mary T. Kelly issued a statement about Zaman's death, saying that "support services are available for students and staff as they try to cope with this devastating loss."

"Vanessa was actively involved in school, loved English and was a prolific writer," Kelly said. "She was very well-liked by students and staff. She will truly be missed."

With Joie Tyrrell