ORLANDO, Fla. — Shaquille O’Neal told ESPN he will pay all funeral expenses for Dexter Rentz Jr., an Ocoee High football star and Louisville signee who was shot and killed late Saturday night.
O’Neal, who has maintained a residence in Orlando long after leaving the Magic, told ESPN’s Andrea Adelson he spoke with Rentz’s parents and will pay for all funeral expenses, including a horse and carriage and custom-made casket. He added he would provide whatever Rentz’s mother wants.
Dexter Rentz Jr., who played cornerback and slot receiver, signed with Louisville in December and was supposed to start college classes in June. As a high school sophomore, Dexter filled in for an injured teammate and tied a state record with five interceptions in one game. He scored 15 touchdowns this past season and totaled almost 2,000 yards during his Ocoee career.
His coaches told the Sentinel it was clear he was a special player dating back to his youth football days.
“He was on his way, he really was,” O’Neal told ESPN. “I don’t know what it feels like to lose a son, but I know what it feels like to lose someone.
“This one hurts my heart. It really does. I wish things like this would never go on. It’s just so sad, and I want to be able to help his family. I wanted to take care of it.”
Rentz’s mother, Salisa “Missy” Rentz Sinclair, fought back tears while describing her younger son’s efforts to drive Dexter to the hospital. Dexter, however, stopped breathing in the car and died before he reached the hospital.
“They (were) at my daddy’s house on Ellese Street, right across the street from, I guess, the apartment house where these guys were shooting,” Rentz Sinclair said. “These guys just were doing a drive-by and let off rounds. It hit Dexter, but it was not targeted for Dexter. He got shot on his left side. The guys let off over 15 rounds. … This was all from some rap beef, I guess.”
Orlando police confirmed four people were shot during the incident. One was in critical condition Sunday while the other two had non-life threatening injuries.
The police released an updated Tuesday that read, “The investigation into Dexter Rentz Jr.’s murder is currently very active. Our homicide unit is currently working diligently and following some strong leads. We will keep you informed and up to date with the latest available information.”
Police also asked anyone with more information about the incident to call Crimeline at 1-800-423-8477.
An Orlando rapper was among the shooting victims, according to social media posts, but police have not confirmed his identity. Dexter was the only person who died.
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