The Orlando Police Department is investigating a shooting late on Saturday night that left one dead and three wounded. The shooting took place in the Carver Shores neighborhood of West Orlando, Florida, but no further information has been provided about the circumstances of the shooting or the condition of the three people injured.
Dexter Rentz Jr., a senior at Ocoee High School, has been confirmed as the person killed in the shooting. Rentz was a football player who had just signed to play for the University of Lousiville.
Head coach Scott Satterfield said in a statement to Sports Illustrated, “We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Dexter Rentz. He was a great young man who had a contagious personality, and was able to light up a room with his smile. He was a great kid to be around and he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Rentz family during this extremely difficult time.”
Heavy reached out to the Orlando Police Department for more information but did not immediately hear back. This story is still developing.
Rentz Signed For Louisville in December 2019 Over 22 Other Offers
Rentz played as a cornerback/slot receiver and really came into his own in his sophomore year when he filled in for an injured teammate and got five interceptions in the game, tying the state record. The three-star prospect scored 15 touchdowns last season and almost reached 2,000 yards over his Ocoee career.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, Rentz signed with Louisville despite receiving scholarship offers from 22 other Football Bowl Subdivision programs. He was set to visit the university on May 10 and officially enroll shortly after. He was listed at 5’9″ and weighing 164 pounds.
According to 247Sports, Rentz said in a radio interview in December, “They make me feel at home up there in Louisville. That’s where I feel like I belong.”
Coaches & Other Football Players Shared the News of Rentz’s Death Early on Sunday Morning
News of Rentz’s death was circulating on social media early on Sunday morning, even before the police confirmed his identity.
One person wrote: “I’m sitting here staring at your picture wishing I didn’t get that call. Dexter Rentz was a young man full of positive energy and good vibes who always had a smile on his face. He will be truly missed by his family & everyone who ever met him.”
Lovie Jenkins, Rentz’s teammate who also signed for the University of Louisville, posted:
He wrote: “I promise working harder than I ever did,” and “Forever I gotcha brotha.”
Another teammate posted: “Never thought I lose someone else close to me. I looked out for you like the brother I never had. Yo mom shouldn’t be going through this. LIVE THROUGH ME.”
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