I kept calling him all day and he didn't answer the phone, said Marion. Memphis Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley said Wright had movie star looks with an infectious smile, and served as the team's leader. Friends and family have accused authorities of dragging their feet. NBC's "Dateline" will show "The Murder of Lorenzen Wright" with updates on the former NBA player's killing in 2010 and new interviews from Wright's family and those close to the case. Armed with handguns, Turner and Martin went to Wrights condo in Atlanta, entered through a window and found someone sleeping on the couch in the living room but it was not Lorenzen Wright, Martin testified. It showed Turner making calls near Sherra Wright's home hours before the shooting. subscribe to the Crime Stories with Nancy Grace podcast. A judge presiding over the lawsuit ordered a trust fund be set up in the children's names, with Sherra as their trustee. A little over a month later, Sherra Wright was arrested in California, along with Billy Ray Turner in Memphis. Wright was last seen at his ex-wifes house on July 18, 2010, after spending part of the day with his close friend Phil Dotson. He was shot to death in what police are calling a homicide. Year should not be greater than current year. Please enter valid email address to continue. Oxford, Lafayette County, Mississippi, USA. Memphis Police Sgt. [Featured image: FILE In this Sept. 29, 2008, file photo, Cleveland Cavaliers Lorenzen Wright poses at the teams NBA basketball media day in Independence, Ohio. Sherra's and Turner's later defense would center heavily around Martin's credibility as a witness, Sherra going as far as to claim Martin had more evidence pointing to him as the killer than she did. In November, 2017, Jimmie Martin led police to the lake in Walnut, Mississippi, where the murder weapon had been dumped. In the years that Lorenzen and Sherra Wright were married, they welcomed seven beautiful children into their lives. On April 11, 1995, their first child Lorenzen Wright Jr. was born. Then came their eldest daughter Loren Wright. Turner and Martin returned home without killing anyone. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. She said Sherra Wright should serve the full 30 years of her sentence. The state rested its case late Saturday morning after calling its final witness - an undercover law enforcement member who testified about surveilling Turner and Sherra Wright after authorities announced a murder weapon had been found. According to police, Wright had been lured into a road next to a field when he ran into Sherra Wright and Billy Ray Turner. She reportedly received a $1 million payout as the beneficiary of his life insurance policy. Please check your email and click on the link to activate your account. Raymond L. Lorenzen 83, passed away Jan. 3rd peacefully, following a short illness. Meanwhile, Sherra Wright sued the Shelby County Sheriff's Office from her jail cell in December, 2020. "To me he was invincible," Archie said. The entire footage from the Lorenzen Wright Memorial held at the Fed Ex Forum. The 911 operator initially dismissed the call and never reported it, as no information could be obtained. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. She later pleaded guilty to the facilitation of murder and was sentenced to 30 years behind bars. RELATED: COVID delays trial for Billy Ray Turner, accused of killing former NBA star Lorenzen Wright. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. / CBS News. Martin said he told detectives in 2012 where the gun was located. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/55748448/lorenzen-wright. Memphis Grizzlies owner Michael Heisley said Wright had movie star looks with an infectious smile, and served as the team's leader. Turner and Martin returned home without killing anyone. Lorenzen Wright was visiting Memphis from Atlanta. A Murder in Memphis debuts Wednesday, July 14, at 9 p.m. Martin had told prosecutors that he had participated in a failed plan to kill Wright with Wright Robinson and another man named Billy Ray Turner, who was a landscaper and attended the same church as Wright Robinson. Three of the seven parole board members decided against releasing Wright; the victims mother released an impact statement opposing the release. His mother and siblings moved to Memphis for his senior year in high school, and he became a star at Booker T. Washington High School. Days later, police discovered the distressed caller was 34-year-old former NBA player Lorenzen Wright. Kappa Alpha Psi members pay tribute to the family and father of slain NBA basketball player Lorenzen Wright during a memorial service and funeral for Wright at A jury on Monday convicted a Tennessee man in the murder of former NBA player Lorenzen Wright, who was found shot dead in a field nearly 12 years ago in his Eventually, a trial date was set for October, 2021, but Turner's lawyers filed 15 motions to have his trial reset to when it eventually was held; March, 2022. Listen to a previous episode on the case below. As Turner continued to await a trial date, the COVID-19 pandemic raged in the Mid-South, and forced constant delays in his trial. Martin testified that he and Turner met with Sherra Wright to plan the killing and went to Lorenzen Wrights condominium in Atlanta to shoot him, with an understanding that he would get paid. Among the mourners was Wrights ex-wife Sherra, whom he had met when he was 16 and she was 21. Wright pleaded guilty to facilitation to commit first degree murder in Lorenzen's death July 25, 2019. Oops, we were unable to send the email. Find an obituary, get service details, leave condolence messages or send Learn more about merges. His mother, Deborah Wright, also attended. But I want you to call them, [and say], 'No its OK to talk to grandma, grandma still loves you.' Instead of being excited, Cowans said Wright was evasive and nervous, and doubted the gun really had been found. Martin was convicted and is currently serving prison time, in that case. Marion remained a driving force behind the investigation and said she would call the police station everyday to ask if they had found any new information. Her next parole hearing is scheduled for May 2027. We remain family owned, unlike our competitors. For over a decade, Deborah Marion has been fighting for answers in the murder of her son, former NBA player Lorenzen Wright, who was found shot in 2010. There was a problem getting your location. Our experts predict every series, 2023 NBA playoffs: Second-round series, Finals, MVP odds, 'He looks better than ever': Why the Orlando bubble was 'just the beginning' for Jamal Murray, Pregame chats, language arts and 'a lot of fines': Inside NBA player-ref dynamics, Excerpt: E60 examines the murder of former NBA star Lorenzen Wright. MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Lorenzen Wright's ex-wife will not be granted early release from a 30-year prison sentence she received after pleading guilty to plotting the retired NBA player's 2010 slaying, the Tennessee Board of Parole said Monday. The decision was reached after three of seven board members agreed to deny her release based on the seriousness of her offense, board spokesman Dustin Krugel said in an email to The Associated Press. There is a problem with your email/password. RELATED: Big Break In Lorenzen Wright Case: Alleged Murder Weapon Found In Mississippi Lake. "That is our prayer. The criminal case turned cold for the next seven years. Woman Found Dead in Park Charged with Murder, Ga. Police Officer Arrested After Naked Body of Missing 16-Year-Old Girl Found in Woods, Ga. Woman Was Killed Inside Car Dealership, Suspect Is Business Partner She Used to Date, Md. Days later, police discovered the distressed caller was 34-year-old former NBA player Lorenzen Wright. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). When asked if he thought Sherra killed Lorenzen, Cowans said at the time, Im not going to jeopardize anything they got going with that case because they asked me not to talk about the particulars of what we talked about. After roughly two hours, they returned with a unanimous guilty verdict, sending Turner to jail likely for the rest of his life, and marking the end of one of the highest-profile murder cases in Memphis history. The jury heard a chilling 911 call made by Lorenzen Wright that captured the pop-pop-pop sound of multiple gunshots. Martin told prosecutor Paul Hagerman that he was in Batesville, Mississippi, at the time of the shooting just after midnight on 19 July 2010. Memphis police initially called the case a "death investigation," and it would be some time before foul play was reported. Sherra Wright said she lured her ex-husband to the field by telling him that she was going to meet someone there to get some money, Martin testified. This account already exists, but the email address still needs to be confirmed. Money, Marion said. Turner is a landscaper who knew Sherra Wright from church and, according to prosecutors, had a secret romantic relationship with her. A January 2022 trial date has been set for the man accused in the 2010 killing of former NBA player Lorenzen Wright. Failed to delete flower. The 34-year-old father of six had been missing for days before his body was discovered. Thanks for using Find a Grave, if you have any feedback we would love to hear from you. You may request to transfer up to 250,000 memorials managed by Find a Grave. Two of her children gave statements on her behalf. You are nearing the transfer limit for memorials managed by Find a Grave. He has received immunity from prosecution in the Wright case. The slaying is one of the most highly publicized murder cases in Memphis history. We got this. Coffee called Wright a sacred son of Memphis and told his mother, Deborah Marion, that the trial might not bring her closure but would celebrate the good about her son. Turner pleaded not guilty on first-degree murder charges. Call (480) 964-8686 to learn more. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Minnie Bass Lorenzen. Last week, a Tennessee parole board denied Sherra Wrights bid to leave prison, whos currently serving time for helping plot the murder of her slain husband, Lorenzen Wright. Try again later. 0 cemeteries found in Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee, USA. For thirteen seasons (1996 to 2009), he played at the center and forward positions in the National Basketball Association with the Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings and Cleveland Cavaliers. Make sure that the file is a photo. Mom. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. Martin also said Turner and Wright got rid of evidence from the shooting scene and he went with Turner to dispose of the weapon by dumping it in a north Mississippi lake. Citing witness testimony, Scofield said Turner responded: What do you want me to do, Sherra?. Wrights next parole hearing is scheduled for 2027. One of the citys favorite sons returned to town. Martin said he went to the Memphis field with Sherra Wright some days after the shooting and she essentially confessed. She said she would visit her sons grave Monday night. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (CBS/WREG/AP) The procession moved slowly and solemnly on Wednesday, a long line of mourners dressed in black and white, pausing in Drag images here or select from your computer for Lorenzen Wright memorial. The slaying is one of the most highly publicized murder cases in Memphis history. In December 2017, police arrested Sherra, along with her friend Billy Turner, and charged them with Wrights murder. Their arrest came after a gun that was allegedly used to shoot Wright was found in a Walnut, Mississippi, lake. Turner is a landscaper who knew Sherra Wright from church and, according to prosecutors, had a secret romantic relationship with her. "He would still be a mommas boy if he was here now.". "I'm just glad we got him, it took 12 years, I don't care if it took 24, if he was guilty at the end I wouldn't mind," Marion said. 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Parts of his testimony were challenged by defense attorney John Keith Perry, who said the information Martin gave to investigators was false. Deborah Marion, the mother of slain former NBA player Lorenzen Wright. The 12-person jury deliberated for about two hours before it found Billy Ray Turner guilty of first-degree murder, attempted murder and conspiracy in the death of Wright, who played 13 seasons in the NBA before he retired after the 2008-09 campaign. Kelvin Cowans, Sherra's ex-boyfriend who dated her after Lorenzen's death, called Wright in California to tell her police had found the murder weapon. based on information from your browser. The 6-foot-11 forward-center was drafted No. "Miss Wright does appear to be an ongoing danger to Shelby County, Tennessee," said Coffee at the time. We have set your language to The $20 million bond amount is tied to both the murder allegations of Lorenzen Wright and her behavior in jail. Wrights body was found with multiple bullet wounds in a swampy field in east Memphis on 28 July 2010. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. The email does not appear to be a valid email address. Tell Me Anything. The supposedly fictitious story centered around the life of a woman who marries an abusive and unfaithful basketball player. Phoenix Remembers, powered by Legacy.com, is the most timely and comprehensive collection of Phoenix obituaries and local obituaries from the Phoenix Sherra Wright listens as prosecutor Paul Hagerman reads a list of evidence against her during a hearing in Judge Lee Coffee's court in Memphis, Tenn., July 25, 2019. Martin has not been charged in connection with Wrights death. Thats what it was about. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. With that bond, Sherra sat in jail for the entirety of her trial until her conviction. Family members linked to this person will appear here. Relatives and friends fought off tears as they addressed the crowd, still in disbelief at the way he died. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan, File), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news, slaying of former NBA player Lorenzen Wright. Show more. Deborah Vassar, mother of Lorenzen Wright, and Lorenzen Wright Jr. approach the casket of Lorenzen Wright during a memorial service honoring his life, Aug. 4, 2010, at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. The decomposing remains of former NBA player Lorenzen Wright were found in a Memphis field in 2010 -- he had been shot 11 times. Shelby County Criminal Court Judge Lee Coffee, on Wednesday, June 2, 2021, set a 2022 trial date for Billy Ray Turner, charged with conspiring with the ex-wife of Wright to kill the former NBA player nearly 11 years ago in Memphis. At the time, Sherra said the family was financially sound, with $1.4 million in "assets on hand.". Dozens of friends and family followed, stopping before a photo of Wright, then the casket. 4Y; Bond for ex-wife of slain NBAer Wright at $20M. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. He was a member of their squads that reached two consecutive NCAA Tournament berths. Parts of his testimony were challenged by defense attorney John Keith Perry, who said the information Martin gave to investigators was a farce and full of lies. With Lorenzen, Id be talking to his picture and sometimes his picture could look at me a certain way like its really him He was a mommas boy. "That's the biggest service you could pay him.". This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. 193K views 12 years ago. Prosecutors allege Turner and Martin were asked by Lorenzen Wrights ex-wife, Sherra Wright, to kill him in Atlanta, then Memphis, in 2010. The prosecution, led by Shelby County Assistant District Attorney Paul Hagerman, named Jimmie Martin as one of its key witnesses, drawing complaints from the defense. Prosecutors alleged Sherra asked Turner and Martin to kill Lorenzen in Atlanta, then Memphis, in 2010. Lorenzen Wright funeral and obituary March 22, 2022March 22, 2022by gordonofori Lorenzen Wrightwas a retired NBA player who was shot on Monday July 19, Among those speaking against her early release was Lorenzen Wright's mother, Deborah Marion. He played for the Memphis Tigers in college and the Memphis Grizzlies during his 13 seasons as a forward and center in the NBA. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. A Memphis native, Wright was a 6-foot, 11-inch center who played 13 seasons in the NBA before he retired after the 2008-2009 season. Judge Lee Coffee ensured now-accused killer Sherra Wright wouldn't be walking free before her trial, setting a bond of $20 million. Our experts predict every series, 2023 NBA playoffs: Second-round series, Finals, MVP odds, 'He looks better than ever': Why the Orlando bubble was 'just the beginning' for Jamal Murray, Pregame chats, language arts and 'a lot of fines': Inside NBA player-ref dynamics. His body had gunshot wounds. Wrights decomposing body was found riddled with bullet wounds in a swampy field in east Memphis on July 28, 2010. Lorenzen Add to your scrapbook. The call was received by dispatchers in suburban Germantown, but they didn't alert patrol officers or commanders because they couldn't confirm that it came from inside their jurisdiction. Dennis Evans outlined phone records and deleted messages between Turner and Sherra Wright in the weeks before and after Lorenzen Wright's death. Thanks for your help! Sherra, I want to thank you for giving me my grandchildren, thats what I want to thank you for, she said in court. Lorenzen Wright, who played 13 years in the NBA, including five with the Memphis Grizzlies, has died. Both Wright Robinson and Turner were arrested and charged in December 2017. Outside the courtroom, Marion told reporters she was elated with the verdict. The suit claimed that Lorenzen had directed the money be spent on their six children, but the Commercial Appeal reported at the time that Sherra had spent the money on expenses including: $339,000 for purchase and improvement to a new home. I think she is a calculating, heartless person.. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. At the time of Wrights slaying, Martin was facing charges of killing his girlfriend, and he said his cousin helped pay part of his legal fees. Prosecutor Paul Hagerman defended Martins testimony, saying Martins immunity agreement required him to tell the truth and statements given to investigators and prosecutors have been consistent. Way down. Prosecutors allege Wrights ex-wife, Sherra Wright, masterminded a plan to kill her ex-husband and recruited Turner and her cousin, Jimmie Martin, to help her. cemeteries found in Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee, USA will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Try again. Investigators looked into Wright Robinsons claims, but Wright was never implicated in any criminal activity. They later picked up Wrights son and Dotson dropped them off at Sherras home in a Memphis suburb around 10 p.m. I drove off and I never heard from him again, says Dotson. The 34-year-old father of six had been missing for days before his body was discovered. First published on August 5, 2010 / 12:56 PM. Instead of expressing outrage, Marion focused on moving forward with her six grandchildren who are said to be standing by their mother. Sherra Wright received $1m from her ex-husbands life insurance policy and settled a court dispute in 2014 over how she spent the insurance money meant to benefit their six children. Lorenzen Wright's slaying is one of the most highly publicized murder cases in Memphis history. Wright's six children and ex-wife were in the procession, trailed by his father, Herb Wright, who uses a wheelchair. Relatives and friends fought off tears as they addressed the crowd, still in disbelief at the way he died. Wright's body was found July 28 in woods outside Memphis after he had been missing for 10 days. Translation on Find a Grave is an ongoing project. Coffee urged Marion to remember the good things and celebrate Lorenzen's life, as she nodded in agreement with Coffee's words. GREAT NEWS! Try again later.
