Pretty awesome move by Shaquille O’Neal.
The former basketball star and current sports analyst, 46, has reportedly offered to help pay for the cost of Jazmine Barnes’ funeral, set to take place this month.
You’ll recall, Jazmine Barnes was killed in a drive-by shooting in Houston on Sunday, Dec. 30. Barnes was riding in her family’s car around 7:00 a.m. when a red pick up truck pulled up beside her family’s car and began spraying them with bullets. Barnes was shot in the head and killed instantly. She was just seven years old. (Even After A Tip, Texas Sheriff And Shaun King Pushed False Narrative In Jazmine Barnes Murder)
And while the family hurts and hunts for answers for such a senseless crime, Shaq has offered to help ease the family’s monetary strain.
“I just wanted to keep the pain away, trying to raise money and pay for the funeral because funerals can be quite expensive,” O’Neil explained.
The basketball great is reportedly joining forces with close friend, Houston police officer Kenneth Miles, to cover the cost of the funeral. Houston Texans star DeAndre Hopkins is also reportedly planning to donate $29,000 to the Barnes family.
@houstonpolice Officer Kenneth Miles and @SHAQ join forces to cover funeral expenses for 7 year old #JazmineBarnes, the girl shot and killed while riding in a car with her mother and sisters. @kprc2 pic.twitter.com/awv7gtlBQ8
— Brandon Walker (@KPRC2Brandon) January 3, 2019
When I see Jazmine Barnes’ face, I see my own daughter. I’m pledging my playoff check this week to help her family with funeral costs and to support @shaunking @SherriffED_HCSO @SylvesterTurner in bringing this man to justice. On Saturday, I will be playing in your honor, Jazmine pic.twitter.com/oCRYSgfGO9
— Deandre Hopkins (@DeAndreHopkins) January 3, 2019
“You can just imagine if one of your children or loved ones were the victims and maybe you having helped could maybe just ease the pain of not worrying about covering that cost,” officer Miles said.
Meanwhile, police are working overtime to bring Barnes’ killer to justice.
20-year-old Erick Black Jr. was arrested Sunday and is expected to be charged with capital murder. Black was allegedly driving the car that carried out the shooting. Two men have been arrested in suspicion of the attack, CNN reports.