Sherra Wright, 52, former wife of the late NBA star Lorenzen Wright, pleaded guilty to facilitating first-degree murder, marking a dramatic turn in a case that has haunted Memphis for years. Sherra, currently single, has six children and a net worth that has significantly dwindled from the $1 million insurance payout she received following Lorenzen’s death.
A Mother’s Decision
Sherra Wright cited her children as the primary reason for her guilty plea. “I never thought I’d see myself being charged with a murder or any of that, but I do understand that the lifestyle that I was living — or the lifestyle I was pulled into pretty much — this is one of the things that the type of lifestyle brings about: Murder, death, demise,” she expressed. Despite her plea, she hinted at broader culpability within Lorenzen’s family, stating, “To a certain degree, everyone in his family is guilty, from covering up things for him to pushing me into… a position with me where I have to even do this.”
The Tragic Timeline
Lorenzen Wright was last seen on July 18, 2010, visiting his children in Memphis. His mother reported him missing on July 22, and six days later, his body was discovered near the TPC Southwind golf course. An autopsy revealed he had been shot at least 11 times, including fatal shots to the head and chest. Sherra Wright initially suggested to investigators that his murder might be drug-related, linking him to past criminal activities.
Public Image vs. Reality
Sherra Wright challenged the public perception of Lorenzen, contrasting his “poster boy image” with the reality she experienced. She revealed, “That’s not the Lorenzen we knew at home and that’s not the Lorenzen that was making some mistakes — doing what he had to do.” Her attorneys planned to depict Lorenzen as entangled with drug dealers and abusive towards his family, had the case gone to trial.
Financial Struggles
Following Lorenzen’s death, Sherra received $1 million from his life insurance policy, intended for their children’s benefit. However, the funds were rapidly depleted, contributing to the family’s financial instability.
Uncovering the Evidence
The case remained a high-profile cold case for years until a significant breakthrough in November 2017, when a firearm believed to be the murder weapon was found in a Mississippi lake. This discovery led to the arrest of Billy Ray Turner, a church deacon, and small business owner, alongside Sherra Wright, who had since remarried and moved to California.
Family Dynamics
Loren Wright, the eldest daughter, emphasized the family’s unity and resilience. Now 22, Loren is a nurse, while her older brother coaches basketball, and the twins have graduated high school. The youngest sibling, just 12, is still navigating the aftermath of their father’s death and their mother’s legal battles. Despite the public scrutiny, Loren insists that their mother has always been supportive, stating, “My children know who mom is, but they also know who dad was.”
A Grandmother’s Plea
During the court proceedings, Lorenzen’s mother, Deborah Marion, expressed her gratitude towards Sherra for her grandchildren and pleaded for an opportunity to see them. Loren clarified that their mother has never obstructed communication with any relatives, and any lack of contact is the siblings’ choice.
Seeking Privacy
The Wright children have asked for privacy as they continue to cope with their complex family history. Loren shared, “We all are so close to each other, we feel like we don’t really need much in terms of support, because we have my mom and the six of us, and we’re OK.”
Sherra Wright’s guilty plea closes a significant chapter in this tragic saga, yet the family’s journey towards healing continues. Her decision, made for the sake of her children, underscores the enduring complexities and sacrifices within the family.