Andrea Rebello memorialized by Hofstra students at graduation

Graduating Hofstra University students wore white ribbons on their gowns Sunday to honor junior Andrea Rebello, 21, of Tarrytown, who was killed Friday in a police standoff with an armed robber.

The ceremony comes two days after Rebello, of upstate Tarrytown, was killed as police surrounded an armed robber who was holding her as a hostage during a home invasion at the off-campus rental house she shared with three other Hofstra students, including her identical twin, Jessica.

Nassau County police officials said Rebello was accidentally shot by a police officer who felt his own life was threatened by the armed robber, also shot dead by the officer. Police identified him as Dalton Smith, 30, of Hempstead, an ex-convict with an extensive criminal history who was wanted for violating parole.

Rebello's death saddened the campus community over graduation weekend. A vigil organized by Rebello's friends was held on campus Saturday night, and the university ordered the white ribbons for students to wear during commencement ceremonies Sunday.

Saturday night, with flags on campus at half-staff, about 200 students and some staff members gathered at the silent vigil. Many held lit candles, flower bouquets, and balloons as they surrounded a large photo of Rebello displayed in front of the campus' Hofstra Hall.

A student sang "Ave Maria."

In Tarrytown, a stream of neighbors and friends parked outside the Rebello home throughout the day, some dropping off groceries and others delivering flowers.

A wake will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Coffey Funeral Home, 91 N. Broadway, Tarrytown. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Teresa of Avila Church in Sleepy Hollow at 10 a.m. Wednesday, and interment will follow at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.