NBA star Jamaal Magloire is setting up a trust fund for the disabled son of a Toronto woman who was murdered last week.
Magloire, who is from Toronto and now plays for The Miami Heat, has also volunteered to pay the 28-year-old woman's funeral costs. Details of the funeral have not been announced.
Lucita Charles was found slain in her north-end home last Monday. Following a manhunt, Charles' boyfriend, Patrick Kirk Barrett, was charged in connection with her death.
Charles had moved to Toronto from St. Lucia about five years ago so her 7-year-old disabled son could receive proper health care.
Magloire, a 32-year-old NBA veteran who is also known for his charity work, hopes Canadians will help support the boy.
"This is a child who has special needs, and I want to put myself out there and try to help them in any way I can," Magloire told CTV.
"Im starting a trust fund. I also want to see him and spend time with him and do whatever I can."
Magloire is arranging the fund with the assistance of Charles' sister, who also lives in Toronto, but who did not know about Magloire's history as an NBA player. Magloire was in Toronto this weekend preparing for next month's Caribana festival.
Details about the fund should soon be available at www.jamaalmagloire.com.
With a report from Carol Charles
