The slaying is one of the most highly publicized murder cases in Memphis history. Sherra Wright appeared at a parole hearing May 11 at the prison in Nashville where she is being held. He was 34. According to prosecutors, Martin claimed that after Wright was murdered, Wright Robinson and Turner confessed to him that they did it and needed his help in disposing the evidence, which is how he knew the location of the murder weapon. Coffee called Wright a sacred son of Memphis and told his mother, Deborah Marion, that the trial might not bring her closure but to celebrate the good about her son. [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. He then went to the University of Memphis, where he played two seasons and was an All-America selection after his sophomore year. Sherra Wright received $1 million 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. A judge presiding over the lawsuit ordered a trust fund be set up in the children's names, with Sherra as their trustee. This account has been disabled. Memphis mayor A C Wharton pledged to the family that justice will be served. When Lorenzen was murdered, the city was in shock, absolutely shocked, because first of all no one ever thought something like this would happen and to one of our heroes, says Adkins. Closing arguments were made Monday, and the jury was excused for deliberation. FILE - In this Sept. 29, 2008, file photo, Cleveland Cavaliers' Lorenzen Wright poses at the team's NBA basketball media day in Independence, Ohio. I think that is purely fiction, said Bill Adkins, a close friend of Wright. WebHe is survived by his wife of 63 years, Minnie Bass Lorenzen. Honeymoon Murder Mystery: Why Was Bride Found Dead in 5-Star Suite She Shared with Husband. As defense attorney Juni Ganguli argued, however, Sherra Wright had been physically abused by the victim. For the latest true crime and justice news,subscribe to the Crime Stories with Nancy Grace podcast. His decomposing body was found riddled with bullet wounds in a swampy field in east Memphis on July 28, 2010. 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. Five years after the murder, Wright Robinson published a novel in 2015 titled Mr. Sherra Wright was there when defendant Billy Ray Turner, 51, shot and killed her former husband, according to Shelby County prosecutor Paul Lorenzen Wright played college basketball at the University of Memphis and spent time with the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies. However, she did not appear in court for the suit, and a judge threw out the case. Search above to list available cemeteries. 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. "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. A Tennessee woman convicted of killing her ex-husband, one-time NBA star Lorenzen Wright, has been denied parole. He had been shot 11 times. This memorial has been copied to your clipboard. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Martin testified Thursday that Sherra Wright recruited him and Turner to kill Lorenzen, in a plot to receive the over $1 million in life insurance benefits after Lorenzen died. Hundreds of fans, friends and family members of the former NBA player filed into the FedEx Forum in Memphis for Wright's memorial service and funeral, remembering the man many called "Ren" as a loving, gentle, charitable family man. Martin, still serving time for the unrelated murder charge, provided damning new testimony in the trial. The jury heard a chilling 911 call made by Lorenzen Wright that captured the pop-pop-pop sound of multiple gunshots. Please enter your email and password to sign in. Sherra was later extradited to the Shelby County Jail. Friends and family have accused authorities of dragging their feet. No arrests have been made and Memphis police will not discuss whether they have a motive or suspects. Wright Robinsons plea deal was announced in court and the judge gave Marion the chance to address her sons ex-wife. Born Lorenzen Vern-Gagne Wright, he attended Booker T. Washington High School (Memphis), and played collegiate basketball at the University of Memphis. Martin testified that Sherra Wright recruited him and Turner to kill Lorenzen Wright. We got this. I think she is a calculating, heartless person.. 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. Subscribe. Prosecutor Austin Scofield said Sherra Wright told Turner during a meeting at her house that Lorenzen Wright had a hit out on her. One of the citys favorite sons returned to town. The Memphis basketball star could be heard shouting as shots were fired. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. Try again later. 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. 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. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. 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. But I left the meeting with a whole lot of information I didnt know.. The criminal case turned cold for the next seven years. Try again later. Martin was named an unindicted co-conspirator in the crime, providing information to investigators in exchange for immunity. (AP Photo/Lance Murphey), Deborah Marion, mother of former NBA basketball player Lorenzen Wright, speaks with reporters, Monday, March 21, 2022, in Memphis, Tenn., after a jury convicted a Tennessee man in the slaying of her son, whose bullet-riddled body was found in a field nearly 12 years ago. Family members linked to this person will appear here. He will be sentenced for the other charges at a later date. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. All rights reserved. Wright was missing for nine days before his remains were found in a wooded area off a desolate road in southeast Memphis that he used to take as a shortcut to his mothers house. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan, File)], Masseur Charged With Sexually Assaulting Patron at Wifes Acupuncture Clinic, Police Investigating Break-in at Home of Slain Neurosurgeon, North Carolina Cop, Wife Found Shot Dead in Fayetteville Home, was sentenced to life in prison for murder, attempted murder and conspiracy. Prosecutors alleged Sherra asked Turner and Martin to kill Lorenzen in Atlanta, then Memphis, in 2010. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. Leading the group was Lorenzen's father, mother, and ex-wife Sherra with their six children. 5Y; While with the Tigers, Wright emerged as a star player, achieving All-American status, All-Great Midwest Conference and All-Conference USA honors. His body had gunshot wounds. Cowans said Wrights response had him second-guessing everything about their relationship. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? He has received immunity from prosecution in the Wright case. As people mourned, police worked to find the killers. Wright was missing for nine days before his severely decomposed body was found on July 28, in a field near the TPC Southwind Golf Course. 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 hometown of Memphis. Previous violations while at the Shelby County Jail played a role in the judge setting that bond amount. Sherra Wright entered a surprise guilty plea to facilitation of murder in July 2019 and was sentenced to 30 years in prison. It was later found by FBI divers. Lorenzen Wright funeral and obituary March 22, 2022March 22, 2022by gordonofori Lorenzen Wrightwas a retired NBA player who was shot on Monday July 19, 2010. 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. Marion was present for the entire trial, giving her testimony on the first day, waiting patiently for justice to be served. She later alleged that the former power forward was involved in criminal activity and had left her home at 11:30 p.m. with a box of drugs and cash. Judge Lee Coffee ensured now-accused killer Sherra Wright wouldn't be walking free before her trial, setting a bond of $20 million. Listen to a previous episode on the case below. RELATED: Big Break In Lorenzen Wright Case: Alleged Murder Weapon Found In Mississippi Lake. Thanks for your help! https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/55748448/lorenzen-wright. 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. Sherra told police she last saw her ex-husband who she had divorced that year around 2 a.m. on July 19 when he left her home with an unknown person. Dozens of friends and family followed, stopping before a photo of Wright, then the casket. The bureau and the court had to work out how to move forward with trials during the pandemic - considering how many people could be allowed in a courtroom, social distancing, seating, etc. Wright Robinson initially pleaded not guilty but later agreed to a plea deal on July 25, 2019, and pleaded guilty to the facilitation of first-degree murder. In closing arguments, defense attorney John Keith Perry said Martins crazy, contrived story was not believable. In July 2019, his ex-wife, Sherra WrightRobinson, pleaded guilty to facilitating his death. A motive for the slaying was not clear, though Hagerman said the killers were driven by jealousy and greed. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. Hundreds of fans, friends and family members of the former NBA player filed into the FedEx Forum in Memphis for Wright's memorial service and funeral, remembering the man many called "Ren" as a loving, gentle, charitable family man. Judge Coffee said the countys courtroom setups had been an ongoing issue that he had previously brought to the mayors attention. He averaged 8 points and 6.4 rebounds in 778 career NBA games, and also was known as a good defensive player. According to police, Wright had been lured into a road next to a field when he ran into Sherra Wright and Billy Ray Turner. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. 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. cemeteries found in Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee, USA will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Money, Marion said. It was later found by FBI divers. There was a problem getting your location. Friends and family of slain NBA basketball player Lorenzen Wright grieve at the casket of Wright during a memorial service at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tenn., Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2010. Search Mesa obituaries and condolences, hosted by Echovita.com. Sherra Wright entered a surprise guilty plea to facilitation of murder in July 2019 and was sentenced to 30 years in prison. Martin was convicted and is currently serving prison time, in that case. According to Bleacher Report, Sherra Wright said at the time Lorenzen was carrying a "considerable sum of money.". Make sure that the file is a photo. A motive for the slaying was not made clear during the trial, though prosecutors said the killers were driven by jealousy and greed. Martin said he went to the Memphis field with Sherra Wright some days after the shooting and she essentially confessed. Memphis Police Sgt. Edit a memorial you manage or suggest changes to the memorial manager. At the time, Sherra said the family was financially sound, with $1.4 million in "assets on hand.". 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. Wright said she has done well in classes she is taking from prison and has a support system to help her when she is released. He played for the Memphis Tigers in college and the Memphis Grizzlies during his 13 seasons as a forward and center in the NBA. Citing witness testimony, Scofield said Turner responded: What do you want me to do, Sherra?. In the days he was missing, police said they didn't expect foul play. Resend Activation Email, Please check the I'm not a robot checkbox, If you want to be a Photo Volunteer you must enter a ZIP Code or select your location on the map. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. There is a problem with your email/password. Judge Lee Coffee sentenced Turner, 51, to life in prison for the murder conviction. Perry said Martin not Turner was in Memphis the night Lorenzen Wright was shot. In college, Wright scored more than 1,000 Phoenix Remembers, powered by Legacy.com, is the most timely and comprehensive collection of Phoenix obituaries and local obituaries from the Phoenix 0 cemeteries found in Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee, USA. 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 In 2017, a huge break came in the investigation. 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. 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. She reportedly received a $1 million payout as the beneficiary of his life insurance policy. On the tape, the 911 operator could hear an unidentified man yelling Hey, goddamn, as the sounds of gunfire erupted in the background. Following that ruling, Billy Ray Turner took the stand without the jury present, and told the judge he did not want to testify. Wright spent five of his 13 seasons in the NBA with the team in the city where he was born. "There's no reason for anybody to take him like this.". August 5, 2010 / 12:56 PM subscribe to the Crime Stories with Nancy Grace podcast. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. Dozens of friends and family followed, stopping before a photo of Wright, then the casket. Please try again later. The 34-year-old was shot to death in what police are calling a homicide. The conviction for first-degree murder will see Turner behind bars for at least 51 years, joining fellow murder conspirator Sherra Wright, Lorenzen's ex-wife, who is serving a 30 year sentence for conspiring to murder the basketball star. At the time, Wright Robinson claimed to investigators that Wright was connected to drugs. Use the links under See more to quickly search for other people with the same last name in the same cemetery, city, county, etc. The ex-wife of former NBA center Lorenzen Wright, 34, recruited both her lover and her cousin to murder the basketball star, a prosecutor said Tuesday during opening statements. Cleveland Cavaliers' Lorenzen Wright poses at the team's NBA basketball media day in Independence, Ohio. Thats what it was about. I kept calling him all day and he didn't answer the phone, said Marion. He was preceded in death by his father Fred P. Lorenzen and Mother Letha Livesay. Martin said he went to the Memphis field with Sherra Wright some days after the shooting and she essentially confessed. 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. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. 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. This flower has been reported and will not be visible while under review. According to Martin, she said that she and Turner ambushed and chased Lorenzen Wright, who jumped a fence and tried to run away before they shot him in the field. The jury heard a chilling 911 call made by Lorenzen Wright that captured the pop-pop-pop sound of multiple gunshots. He has received immunity from prosecution in the Wright case. Under Tennessee Law, the judge immediately sentenced Turner to life in prison. Outside the courtroom, Marion told reporters she was elated with the verdict. The sponsor of a memorial may add an additional. RELATED: Bond Set At $20 Million For Sherra Wright In Lorenzen Wright Murder Case. The brutal crime shook the city, and the investigation into Wrights killing is the subject of a new episode of People Magazine Investigates, airing Monday, Dec. 9 at 10 p.m. No arrests have been made and Memphis police will not discuss whether they have a motive or suspects. Wright spent five of his 13 seasons in the NBA with the team from the city he was born. Wrights next parole hearing is scheduled for 2027. Thank you for fulfilling this photo request. Save to an Ancestry Tree, a virtual cemetery, your clipboard for pasting or Print. The 6-foot-11 forward-center was drafted No. Marion, who was in the courtroom that day, said that after 12 years, she felt like she can sleep now. Failed to delete memorial. As CrimeOnline previously reported, Sherra Wright was arrested in 2017 on suspicion of first-degree murder seven years after 34-year-old Lorenzen Wrights decomposed body was found after he was reported missing in July 2010. According to Martin, she said that she and Turner ambushed and chased Lorenzen Wright, who jumped a fence and tried to run away before they shot him in the field. Dr. Bill Adkins, of the Greater Imani Church and Christian Center, appeared to reference the 911 call when he talked about how "a cry of help went unnoticed.". It showed Turner making calls near Sherra Wright's home hours before the shooting. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. The email does not appear to be a valid email address. Watch the full story on "20/20" FRIDAY at 9 p.m. Are you sure that you want to delete this photo? There was an error deleting this problem. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Call (480) 964-8686 to learn more. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. Example video title will go here for this video. This is just some satisfaction for me and my family.'. She was gonna get some lifetime [if the case went to trial], said Marion. Thousands of mourners showed up at his memorial service at FedEx Forum in downtown Memphis, where he had once played for the Memphis Grizzlies. RELATED: Sherra Wright pleads guilty in Lorenzen Wright murder case. Martin testified that Sherra Wright recruited him and Turner to kill Lorenzen Wright. His mother filed a missing persons report on July 22. Turner and Sherra Wright were indicted in December 2017, more than seven years after the killing. Marion, the slain players mother, said shes convinced the insurance policy was Sherra Wrights motivation. He was a member of their squads that reached two consecutive NCAA Tournament berths. Wrights supporters allege the book is fiction. Prosecutor Paul Hagerman previously issued a statement calling the athletes death a violent offense, an offense that has torn apart a family, an offense thats been highlighted throughout Memphis and the media and everything else.. After the state rested, Judge Coffee said there was more than enough corroborating evidence of conspiracy, first degree murder, and attempted first degree murder, including items and bullet casings recovered at crime scene. Perry said Martin not Turner was in Memphis the night Lorenzen Wright was shot. A motive for the slaying was not clear, though Hagerman said the killers were driven by jealousy and greed. 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 Turner and Martin returned home without killing anyone. 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. The 911 call came in just after midnight on July 19, 2010, to Germantown, Tennessee police. All photos appear on this tab and here you can update the sort order of photos on memorials you manage. With that bond, Sherra sat in jail for the entirety of her trial until her conviction. Tenn. Man Found Guilty of Murdering NBA Star Lorenzen Wright, Sentenced to Life in Prison, An Ohio Art Student Mysteriously Vanished 12 Years Ago. cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Please enter valid email address to continue. "Not just facilitation, he got charged with the real deal crime, Murder, first degree.". Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). Ex-wife of Lorenzen Wright pleads guilty in killing of former NBA star, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, 2023 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. ET on ESPN. The 34-year-old was shot to death in what police are calling a homicide. 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. Sorry! Share this memorial using social media sites or email. ET on ABC. Funeral Services are Saturday, Jan. 7th at the Kimball Stake Center 1266 S. 32nd St. Mesa Az. 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. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. 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. She said Sherra Wright should serve the full 30 years of her sentence. According to Martin, she said that she and Turner ambushed and chased Lorenzen Wright, who jumped a fence and tried to run away before they shot him in the field. You can always change this later in your Account settings. Watch the full story on "20/20" FRIDAY at 9 p.m. Sherra Wright, the ex-wife of Lorenzen Wright, has pleaded guilty to facilitation of first-degree murder in the death of the former NBA player and will receive a 30-year prison sentence. Martin was convicted and is currently serving prison time in that case. Relatives and friends fought off tears as they addressed the crowd, still in disbelief at the way he died. Martin told prosecutor Paul Hagerman that he was in Batesville, Mississippi, at the time of the shooting just after midnight on July 19, 2010. "At 12:12, Mr. [Jimmie] Martin's phone is calling Mr. Turner's phone at the same that Mr. Lorenzen is calling 911," Sgt. 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. She said she would visit her sons grave Monday night. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If you have questions, please contact [emailprotected]. Wright's body was found July 28 in woods outside Memphis after he had been missing for 10 days. Sherra was there at the funeral and gave me a hug, and thanked me for doing such a nice eulogy, Wrights friend, pastor Bill Adkins, tells PEOPLE. Turner had already pleaded guilty to possessing a weapon as a convicted felon after he was found with two guns when he was arrested in Wrights killing in 2017. They later had six children together. (modern). Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. Neither Turner nor Sherra Wright testified during the trial. Oops, we were unable to send the email. Please enter your email address and we will send you an email with a reset password code. Days later, police discovered the distressed caller was 34-year-old former NBA player Lorenzen Wright. Failed to delete flower. I thought you might like to see a memorial for Lorenzen Wright I found on Findagrave.com. ). 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 front of the silver casket of Memphis' slain native son Lorenzen Wright. Their arrest came after a gun that was allegedly used to shoot Wright was found in a Walnut, Mississippi, lake. On July 19, 2010, Memphis lost one of its local stars when Lorenzen Wright was murdered. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. Year should not be greater than current year. CNN Nearly 12 years after his death rocked the basketball world, former NBA player Lorenzen Wrights murder case came to a close Monday when a Memphis 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. Itll never be closure, because Ill never see my son again, Marion said. She will get credit for time served (nearly two 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. Oxford, Lafayette County, Mississippi, USA. Martin said he told detectives in 2012 where the gun was located. A litany of former NBA brethren paid their respects, including Memphis hero Penny Hardaway, Elliot Perry, Bonzi Wells, and former Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Woodson. Deborah Marion in court in March of 2022. MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- The procession moved slowly and solemnly on Wednesday, a long line of mourners dressed in black and white, pausing in front of the silver casket of their slain native son Lorenzen Wright. A Murder in Memphis debuts Wednesday, July 14, at 9 p.m. This is just some satisfaction for me and my family.. 9458 Obituaries. 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. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. And, you know, whats it going to do. Two of her children gave statements on her behalf. The decomposing remains of former NBA player Lorenzen Wright were found in a Memphis field in 2010 -- he had been shot 11 times. We remain family owned, unlike our competitors. 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. GREAT NEWS! The defense called one witness - Jennifer Bogan - who testified that Turner attended a cookout at her Collierville home the evening of July 18, 2010 - roughly two hours before Lorenzen Wright made the 911 amid gunshots. 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.

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