31-year-old man named after Shaquille O'Neal charged with murder after triple shooting: Report

Being named after one of the greatest players in NBA history might have its perks, but it also comes with a downside. For starters, there's no chance people will ever forget your name, and that's not a good thing if you happen to be a criminal.

That was the case with a 31-year-old man from Saginaw, Michigan, who shares his name with Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O'Neal.

Shaquille O'Neal Baskin has reportedly been charged with murder in his city's last homicide of 2024. On January 2, he appeared before Saginaw Couty District Judge David D. Hoffman.

Per MLive's report, he's facing ten charges: five counts of felony firearm, two counts of assault with intent to murder, felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, and open murder.

The chargers reportedly stem from a shooting in late December in which 57-year-old Tracey A. Bowens was killed. Two other women, aged 57 and 59, were also reportedly wounded.

Per the records, Baskin opened fire on them "for seemingly no reason" before fleeing the scene.

Shaquille O'Neal is no longer a cop

Shaquille O'Neal actually served as a law enforcement officer. He attended the Los Angeles County's Reserve Academy, and he worked sparingly as a reserve officer for the L.A. Port for years.

He was named an honorary US Deputy Marshall, and he was in charge of an operation that targeted sexual predators online.

“It’s very disturbing to see that anyone would want to harm a child, especially in a sexual manner, very, very disturbing,” Shaq said on an appearance on Good Morning America.

Even when he was traded to the Miami Heat, the four-time NBA champion continued to serve. That time, he became a reserve officer for the Miami Beach Police Department and even took part in a raid in Bedford County.

Now 52 years old, the legendary big man is no longer a police officer. Even so, he continues to be involved with the force when possible. Most recently, he was called to lead the Holiday Parade in Gainesville in 2024, and he's served ceremonial roles multiple times in the past.

Shaquille O'Neal has always been a man of many talents. From acting to rapping to being a DJ, the Big Aristotle is always onto the next project. This one, however, may have been the most significant he's ever embarked on.