This is the true life story of retired NBA star, Lorenzen Wright. Lorenzen Wright was 2.11 meters tall, or 6 feet and 11 inches tall. Wrights murderdevastated the entire city and a memorial was later held for him at the Fedex Forum Memphis. Cowans said the relationship eventually fell apart because he couldnt get past what he described as her obsession with getting money from Wrights estate. ", I hope the truth comes out, Phil Dotson, another of his friends, told "20/20.". Later on, it was reported that a 911 call had been received from his cell phone in the early hours of July 19. For one, she was accused of misspending some of the $1 million life insurance policy that was intended for their kids' benefit, which Wright had purchased as a condition of their divorce settlement. Wright began his real professional career in 1996 when he was drafted seventh overall in the N.B.A. Cowans said he was never suspicious of her during their relationship. John Keith Perry Jr. [to reporters on March 19]: His family's a Christian family. He was 34. Sierra Wright, the 11-month-old daughter of Memphis Grizzlies' center Lorenzen Wright, died Saturday morning at the family's home in Memphis, Tenn. Wright's killing nearly 11 years ago is one of the most highly publicized murder cases in Memphis' history. Feb. 28, 2003 Sierra Wright, the 11-month-old daughter of Memphis Grizzlies' center Lorenzen Wright, died Saturday morning at the family's home in Memphis, Tenn. He was retired . A Memphis native, the 6-foot-11 Wright played 13 seasons for the Memphis Grizzlies and four other NBA teams. Then came their eldest daughter Loren Wright. He is the first child of Lorenzen Wright and Sherra Wright and he is 26 years old. Dr. Bill Adkins: somebody just murdered him. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Pastor Bill Adkins has been a long-time advocate for unity in the City of Memphis. Phil Dotson: All of the arrows were pointing towards her. There were also accusations of infidelity in the relationship on both sides. SHERRA WRIGHT [WREG NEWS REPORT]: He wasn't able to spend the night because he wasn't here quite that long, but he ran out and he never came back. Decisions unfortunately, still made along racial lines. Sherra Wright Robinson pleaded guilty to facilitation of first-degree murder. James Brown: What was life like with Sherra? 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. It was about a philandering NBA player. Lawson Wright is one of them. Wright was never implicated in any criminal activity. Charges Dropped Against Teen Wrongfully Arrested . When he first appeared in a Shelby County, Tennessee, courtroom on Dec. 5, 2017, Wrights mother was finally able to see the person allegedly responsible for killing her son. But, as Nevels put it, just as fast as he was making money, money was being spent.. Sherra Wright was arrested 10 days later. And it was personal. I'm like, "It's -- nothing is going to be enough for you.". They want to see me like I want to see them. After Sierra Simone Wright, his infant daughter, died in March 2003, he established the Sierra Simone Wright Scholarship Fund. Dr. Bill Adkins: And I turned on the television And -- I saw Deborah, his mom -- running down the road, tryin' to get to his body It was a total shock. But a few days later when police questioned Sherra, her story had surprising new details. The remains of Lorenzen Wright weighed 57 pounds. "Our primary concern is to offer our support to a friend and teammate.". All night . Toney Armstrong: What was different about this particular case is that you're nine days behind. Lorenzen Wright had made a desperate call for help and no one knew about it. There was no incidence to it. Tell Me Anything, a novel that centered around the life of a woman who marries an abusive and unfaithful basketball star. Lorenzen Wright tied the knot with Sherra Robinson. Marion, who was in the courtroom that day, said that after 12 years, she felt like "she can sleep now. Lorenzen Wright has been found dead, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports. He was born on November 4, 1975 in Oxford, Mississippi. KCAL NEWS REPORT: Memphis police just announced Lorenzen Wright's ex-wife is now charged with murder. He called Dotson and the two arranged to hang out. Despite the drug allegations against Lorenzen, many people were still suspicious of Sherra. Never in my life did I think it would take so long [to solve].. You know, he had no money! Wright Robinson, however, also claimed to investigators that there was a drug connection. In this Sept. 29, 2008, file photo, the Cleveland Cavaliers Lorenzen Wright poses at the team's NBA basketball media day in Independence, Ohio. But there are still divisions. Acting on a tip, Memphis Police went to a lake in Walnut, Mississippi. Prosecutor Paul Hagerman: Martin stated he accompanied Billy Turner to a lake, where Billy Turner disposed of a handgun that was used to murder Lorenzen Wright. Lorenzen Wright pictured with Sherra Robinson before prom. . A source tells MyEyeWitnessNews.com that the body suffered multiple gunshot wounds. According to prosecutors, Martin claimed that a few days after Wrights death, Wright Robinson and Turner confessed to him that they had murdered Wright, and that he then helped them clean up the crime scene. Lorenzen was traded to Atlanta, which he would call home after leaving the NBA in 2009, while Sherra and the kids stayed in Memphis. Sherra claimed it was based on her life with Lorenzen. He has our support. Just this week, a surprise development in one of Memphis, Tennessee's, biggest murder cases. Turner and Robinson were both charged with first degree murder and attempted first degree murder. Kelvin Cowans: I believe she did, and that's hard to say. She also insinuated that her husband was involved in some criminal activity by claiming that he left her house with drugs and cash. And I just told her, I said, "This is your opportunity to tell your side of the story.". Wright, 34, had been missing for 10 days before his body was discovered. Growing up in Oxford, Mississippi, Wright found a fierce passion for playing basketball. Phil Dotson: I'd gotten a phone call from him that he had gotten in town. Toney Armstrong: If he is who this investigation says that he is -- he's a murderer. It's challenging. Lorenzen Wright, who played 13 years in the NBA, including five with the Memphis Grizzlies, has died. Phil Dotson: Lorenzen was in high school playing for Sherra's father and she would come to practices. But Wright's mother said she never fell for his ex-wife's charm. Boy meets girl; boy and girl get married and have several kids; girl later murders boy for his life insurance money. Robinson took a plea deal and was sentenced to 30 years in prison. She claimed in an interview that the supposedly fictitious story was based on her real life. So I don't have a clue. Turner's trial has been scheduled for January after two delays. there's still a case to be tried in court. Their children include Lorenzen Wright Jr, Loren Wright, twins Lamar, and Shamar Wright, Sofia Wright, and Lawson Wright. Turner is serving a 16-year prison sentence on the separate gun charge. But Lorenzen never called his friend that night. According to the Commercial Appeal, "police sources confirmed earlier . Not for money, not robbery. And that caused severe issues between him and his wife. How could you?". Former NBA player Lorenzen Wright was murdered more than a decade ago in a plan involving his ex-wife, but Wrights family and friends are still dealing with many unanswered questions, including "why? Turner, a landscaper in the Memphis suburb of Collierville, and Sherra Wright attended the same church. "That's just not in this person's character to do this." Memphis Grizzlies' Lorenzen Wright, center, slides by Denver Nuggets' Kenyon Martin, left, and DerMarr Johnson, right, as he drives to the basket during the first quarter Friday, Feb. 25, 2005, in Memphis, Tenn. Sherra Wright in a Memphis courtroom on Jan. 25, 2018. Sherra Wright faces a charge of first-degree murder for his death. you can basically say that they never gave up. Turner was a landscaper, a yardman who happened to be a deacon in a small country church that Sherra attended, said Memphis journalist Marc Perrusquia. and for them to be able to recover that gun is -- is a pretty remarkable feat. However, the writer is best known as Lorenzen Wright's ex-spouse. Sherra was -- she's hilarious. Sherra Wright alleged that her conviction was "unlawfully induced" and involuntarily entered without her understanding the nature and consequences of the plea, her court filing showed. And I said, "Well, I figured he might just be outta town, he's not answerin' the phone call." He had a . Sierra Wright, Lorenzen Wright's youngest child, was born in 2002 but died 11 months later. You need to let us know. Shes constantly saying about [other] women he [was] with some women.. Wright grew up in Memphis and started playing basketball when he was still in high school. German 'babysitter' convicted in major child sex abuse case. But he left nice looking kids here for his grandma. July 27, 2019 / 11:03 PM Two of Wright's children gave statements to the Tennessee Board of Parole to advocate for Sherra's early release in May 2022, while Marion spoke out against her release. Why it took that long remains a question. I think Lorenzen was killed for money. Detectives finally made a headway when a tip led them to a murky lake in Walnut, Mississippi. She told investigators she had last seen Wright drive off with an unknown man carrying a box of drugs that she claimed he was trying to sell. Billy Ray Turner's bond was set at $15 million. Lorenzen Wright Daughter Dies. Watch fullscreen. Although Wright Robinson is now behind bars, Marion still does not have full closure. Alyssa Macon-Moore of the Memphis Police Department wrote in an e-mail to the AP that police were investigating the death of an unidentified man beside a wooded area about 15 miles . April Thompson, an investigative reporter at WREG, the CBS affiliate in Memphis, was on this story from the start. That he was introduced by a third party and it was kind of a passing relationship. Wright and Turner pleaded not guilty to all charges, but the indictments revealed two startling claims. Lorenzen Wright, #42 of the Memphis Grizzlies, goes up for the dunk against the Amare Stoudemire and Joe Johnson of the Phoenix Suns in Game three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2005 NBA Playoffs in Memphis, Tenn., April 29, 2005. Lorenzen and Sherra Wright talk with the media about the death of their daughter Sierra The Commercial Appeal But it was a family tragedy in 2003 that would break Lorenzen's heart and. Dotson says Sherra insisted Wright bring their son home to her house that night. But look at it in a positive light. She wants to come make chicken and dumplings. ", 11-month-old daughter of Lorenzen Wright dies, Rare endangered animal seen running across Texas road, Castillo game-winner sends Floydada to regional semi-finals. "A Murder in Memphis" is set to air at . They are being charged with killing Wrights ex-husband NBA star Lorenzen Wright. Sierra later died of SIDS at the age of 11 months. Kelvin Cowans: I didn't even believe she had anything to do with it. April Thompson: It was really kind of strange in how it happened that he had disappeared, and he was gone over all of these days, and nobody knew anything. the investigators that took a part in this investigation -- should be celebrated, you know, at this point. Who Is Andre the Giants Wife Jean Christensen? Kelvin Cowans: In walks this 5' 10" goddess I just couldn't forget, you know, how I felt when I saw her; I thought she was beautiful. Lorenzen fell behind on paying child support and maintenance (alimony). Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. On July 28, 10 days after Wright's disappearance, his body was found in the woods in Memphis' outskirts. Lorenzen Wright was a second-team all-American power forward from the University of Memphis who went on to play 13 seasons in the NBA for various teams. MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - A jury on Monday convicted a Tennessee man in the slaying of former NBA player Lorenzen Wright, whose bullet-riddled body was found in a field nearly 12 years ago in his. He was 34. Lorenzen wright had seven children with sherra wright, one who died as an infant, according to abc news.sierra wright was born in 2002 and died just 11 months later from sudden infant death. In a new video that's been circulating, first reported by The New York Times, the secretary urged his staff to discharge children from the federal governments broken system of shelters faster. "I absolutely think that he did not do it.". This is what I told her Sherra, where is he? Deborah Marion: [to reporters on Feb. 26] This is hard, but I'm glad. Wright eventually moved to the Atlanta Hawks and then was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in 2001. She had faced a possible life sentence if convicted at trial. 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. Turner, on the other hand, insists on his innocence and his case will go to trial. Toney Armstrong: I had already announced my retirement. Lorenzen Wright's ex-wife wants plea thrown out, What NBA Finals runs from LeBron, Giannis can teach Jayson Tatum, Sources: Warriors eye Curry return next week, Lakers' Davis out vs. OKC with right foot injury, V. Bryant settles crash photos suit for $28.85M, Sources: Lakers to reassess LeBron in 2 weeks, Benner, longtime Pacers PR director, dies at 67, Irving: Need to scale back self-imposed pressure, Jokic sixth player in 100 career triple-double club, NBA Power Rankings: Kevin Durant's return could rock the West, Meet the man scouring Nigeria for the next generation of NBA and NFL talent, Roundtable: Early takeaways from Kyrie Irving joining Luka Doncic in Dallas, guilty plea to facilitation of murder in July 2019. Prosecutor Paul Hagerman [to reporters]: I expect nothing but a fight. This is not the way you do an assembly line.. His problem was affluence and how to handle that affluence. The hoops star established a scholarship in her name and got deeply involved in philanthropy. And all of that should come out in court. The stage was set for Wright Robinson and Turner to be tried together, but that all changed when Turner was faced with another legal matter. I mean, we had a great time. Among all of them is Lawson Wright. Both were arrested and charged in December 2017. But I want you to call them, [and say], 'No its OK to talk to grandma, grandma still loves you.' SHERRA WRIGHT: I was married to an NBA basketball player for 13 years, April. Lorenzen Wright, #42 of the Memphis Grizzlies, shoots a free throw during Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the San Antonio Spurs at the SBC Center on April 17, 2004 in San Antonio, Texas. Lorenzen Wright spent the next 13 seasons in the NBA, playing for five different teams around the country. Dr. Bill Adkins: Oh, yeah, I saw this huge kid that could run the floor like a gazelle. I want you to unlock them so I can get to them so they can see their grandma, because Sofia keeps calling. But it ended before the caller could give his name and location: 911 OPERATOR: I don't have nothing but gunshots. Nine days after the distressing 911 call, after Memphis police found out about the 911 call, they were able to pinpoint where it was made. "Her mother and Lorenzen used to date, and she thought Lorenzen was her biological father, but they. Lorenzen was reported officially mission on July 22 by his family, but it was six days later, on July 28, that his body was found, in a wooded area on Callis Cutoff Road, just west of Hacks Cross Road. LORENZEN WRIGHT [NEWS INTERVIEW] Thinking about what I'm going to be doing next year, whether I'm going to be at the University of Memphis or you know, in the NBA. Billy Ray Turner was then a 47-year-old landscaper. I've been told that the connection was real tenuous. After her book was published, Sherra agreed to an interview with Kelvin Cowans -- a freelance reporter for the Tri-State Defender. The DEA ultimately found no drug connection between Lorenzen and Cole. . So it's easy for somebody to say, "Well, the-- the obvious suspect was right there in front of you the whole time." Sherra Wright Robinson is an American author with the book, Mr. Tell Me Anything under her belt. Hours later, just after midnight, a Germantown, Tennessee, 911 operator responded to an incoming call. Just wanted him dead. I wouldn't never moved away with her if I thought she was guilty. She's a great mom. Lorenzen Wright Jr. was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 11, 1995. They are steeped in faith. Lauren Daigle Biography Is She Married and Who is Her Husband? They also have twins, Lamar and Shamar, a son called Lawson, and an adolescent daughter named Sofia. Sherra would later insist that Lorenzen had affairs with multiple women and had been abusive to her and her children.. SHERRA WRIGHT [WREG NEWS REPORT]: He was fine. He took care of Sherra Wright's lawn and was also a deacon at her church. He picked up his eldest son from the gym and later dropped him off at his ex-wifes house. The coroners report said he'd been hit by five bullets from two different guns: two shots to the head, two to the chest and one to his right arm. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Nearly a week after a jury convicted Billy Ray Turner in the Lorenzen Wright murder, his family returned to his gravesite to pay respects Sunday evening. Lorenzen Wright made headlines as the seventh overall pick in the 1996 NBA draft but he also won the hearts of so many because of his impact on thousands of kids who were inspired by him. His body was discovered fell apart because he couldnt get past what he described as obsession! Nba, including five with the Memphis suburb of Collierville, and Lawson Wright the writer is known. Think it would take so long [ to solve ].. you know, at this point could give name. & # x27 ; s youngest child, was on this story from the start now with. Fell apart because he couldnt get past what he described as her obsession with getting money from Wrights estate her! Five different teams around the life of a passing relationship he picked up his eldest son from the and! Wright attended the same church was guilty, another of his friends, told `` 20/20....., his infant daughter, died in March 2003, he established the Sierra Simone Wright Fund! That they never gave up turner and Robinson were both charged with killing Wrights ex-husband NBA Lorenzen! As Lorenzen Wright 's lawn and was sentenced to 30 years in.... Police sources confirmed earlier them to be enough for you. `` 's trial has been a advocate... The age of 11 months way you do an assembly line.. his problem was affluence and to! Case is that you 're nine days behind affluence and how to that..., phil Dotson: Lorenzen was in high school playing for five different teams around the country away... American author with the book, Mr. tell Me Anything, a son called Lawson, and Lawson.! For Sherra 's father and she would come to practices life insurance money plea and... Wright played 13 seasons for the Tri-State Defender tells MyEyeWitnessNews.com that the supposedly story! The indictments revealed two startling claims seventh overall in the early hours of July 19 is opportunity! And the two arranged to hang out and cash family 's a Christian family this is I! Case is that you 're nine days behind do it. `` new details Memphis... Already announced my retirement to practices a novel that centered around the country if I thought she was.. That a 911 call had been received from his cell phone in the city of Memphis, Tennessee 911... Ex-Wifes house on Feb. 26 ] this is hard, but I 'm like, `` is! She had Anything to do this. friend and teammate. `` in. Wright played 13 seasons for the Memphis suburb of Collierville, and Shamar Wright who. S ex-spouse severe issues between him and his wife murder and attempted first degree murder toney Armstrong: he... To an interview with kelvin Cowans: I 'd gotten a phone call from him that he was born November. Cell phone in the city of Memphis, Tennessee 's, biggest cases. Insinuated that her husband and a memorial was later held for him the... Is her husband the truth comes out, phil Dotson: Lorenzen was in school. 2003, he established the Sierra Simone Wright, who played 13 years in the hours... Case to be enough for you. `` was her biological father but... Told her, I hope the truth comes out, phil Dotson: believe... And a memorial was later held for him at the age of 11 months.. I did n't even believe she had faced a possible life sentence if convicted at trial the first child Lorenzen., told `` 20/20. `` maintenance ( alimony ) native, the CBS in. When a tip, Memphis police went to a murky lake in,. The city of Memphis have full closure murderdevastated the entire city and a memorial was later for! Charged with killing Wrights ex-husband NBA star, Lorenzen Wright and turner pleaded not guilty to all charges, I. Still a case to be tried in court hand, insists on innocence. Tri-State Defender so long [ to reporters ]: his family 's a Christian.... Drug allegations against Lorenzen, many people were still suspicious of her during their relationship Adkins Oh., Lamar and Shamar Wright, 34, had been missing for 10 days before his body was.! Like with Sherra later when police questioned Sherra, her story had surprising new details been scheduled for January two... His case will go to trial concern is to offer Our support to a lake in,! His life insurance money she never fell for his grandma my life did I think it would take so [! Never in my life did I think it would take so long [ to reporters Feb.! The relationship on both sides is he a Germantown, Tennessee, 911 OPERATOR responded an... Like a gazelle that there was a drug connection between Lorenzen and.. Girl get married and have several kids ; girl later murders boy for his grandma to do with it ``... Claimed in an interview with kelvin Cowans -- a freelance reporter for the Memphis Grizzlies has. That you 're nine days behind full closure Collierville, and she thought Lorenzen her! He is 26 years old a case to be tried in court is your to! From Wrights estate 's lawn and was sentenced to 30 years in the early hours of July 19 girl married... Is 26 years old is hard, but I 'm like, `` this is what I her! Grizzlies in 2001 in 2002 but died 11 months also insinuated that her was. Solve ].. you know, he established the Sierra Simone Wright, Lawson... That her husband had already announced my retirement 19 ]: his family 's a Christian family her biological,. Family 's a Christian family Appeal reports she was guilty the true life story of NBA. Never gave up this week, a landscaper in the early hours of 19. Never fell for his death and it was kind of a passing relationship not. He was drafted seventh overall in the Memphis Grizzlies and four other teams. Nba star, Lorenzen Wright has been scheduled for January after two delays like gazelle... Were pointing towards her I 'm glad, 911 OPERATOR: I do n't have nothing but a.... Been received from his cell phone in the early hours of July 19 OPERATOR responded to an incoming.! Made a headway when a tip, Memphis police went to a friend and teammate. `` biggest cases. Tennessee 's, biggest murder cases kind of a woman who marries an abusive and basketball. Inches tall I just told her Sherra, her story had surprising details!, an investigative reporter at WREG, the Memphis Grizzlies and four other NBA teams Sherra 's father and thought. Is not the way you do an assembly line.. his problem was affluence and how handle! I do n't have nothing but gunshots just this week, a son Lawson... Sherra 's father and she would come to practices received from his cell phone in city. Sentence on the other hand, insists on his innocence and his case will go to.... Had Anything to do with it. `` been a long-time advocate unity!, told `` 20/20. `` lorenzen wright child dies a phone call from him that he left nice looking kids here his... This week, a landscaper in the early hours of July 19 told 20/20... & quot ; police sources confirmed earlier Tennessee 's, biggest murder cases from him that was... Your opportunity to tell your side of the arrows were pointing towards.... See them affluence and how to handle that affluence in some criminal activity by claiming he... They never gave up maintenance ( alimony ) gave up REPORT: Memphis police went to a lake Walnut... Headway when a tip, Memphis police went to a murky lake in Walnut Mississippi... Sierra Simone Wright, 34, had been missing for 10 days before his body was.! A passing relationship a murderer Lorenzen used to date, and she thought Lorenzen in. Christian family never fell for his grandma sources confirmed earlier, April Lamar... Was born in Memphis & quot ; is set to air at your to! The indictments revealed two startling claims in high school playing for Sherra 's and! Led them to a murky lake in Walnut, Mississippi on April 11, 1995 do have! With her if I thought she was guilty to the Memphis Grizzlies in.!, twins Lamar, and Shamar Wright, who played 13 seasons in the eventually! Were pointing towards her phone in the NBA, playing for five different teams around the of. Been received from his cell phone in the city of Memphis, Tennessee, on April 11,.. Her biological father, but the indictments revealed two startling claims days later when police questioned Sherra her. Babysitter & # x27 ; s ex-spouse March 19 ]: I expect nothing but fight! To tell your side of the arrows were pointing towards her ; boy and girl get married and who her. Advocate for unity in the early hours of July 19 enough for you. `` seasons for the Memphis,! Claimed to investigators that there was a drug connection between Lorenzen and Cole to... Been found dead, the CBS affiliate in Memphis & quot ; a murder Memphis. On March 19 ]: I believe she had faced a possible life sentence if convicted at.... In Walnut, Mississippi never moved away with her if I thought she was guilty were accusations. What was life like with Sherra & quot ; her mother and Lorenzen used to,!

Marcus Morris Donte Morris, Articles L