The Disturbing Tale of Sherra Wright and the Murder of Lorenzen Wright
When Lorenzen Wright, a beloved former NBA star and Memphis hometown hero, disappeared in July 2010, no one could have predicted the dark truth that would surface years later. His skeletal remains were found riddled with bullets in a remote wooded area, sparking an investigation that would expose a deadly betrayal orchestrated by someone he once loved—his ex-wife, Sherra Wright.
The Night Everything Changed
On July 19, 2010, a cryptic 911 call was placed from Lorenzen’s phone. The dispatcher heard only gunshots before the line went dead. Nine days later, Lorenzen’s body was discovered in a field near a golf course in southeast Memphis, Tennessee. He had been shot five times—twice in the head, twice near the heart, and once in the arm.
Despite the gruesome discovery, it would take nearly a decade to uncover who was behind the killing.
A Tangled Web of Lies
Sherra Wright, Lorenzen’s ex-wife, initially claimed that Lorenzen had left her home the night he vanished to conduct a drug deal. She suggested he was carrying large sums of money—an attempt to mislead authorities. But Lorenzen’s mother, Deborah Marion, never believed her. She insisted Sherra was involved from the very beginning, telling reporters, “She was the only one who benefited from him being dead.”
The Million-Dollar Motive
Sherra Wright received a $1 million life insurance payout after Lorenzen’s death—a policy that was meant to provide for their six children. Instead, she burned through the money in just 10 months, spending it on luxury items and lavish living. The financial gain, combined with a messy divorce finalized just five months before the murder, pointed to a clear motive: greed and control.
The Plot Unravels
For years, investigators struggled to build a solid case. Then, in 2017, a major breakthrough came. Sherra Wright was arrested in Riverside, California, and charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy. Authorities alleged that she had plotted Lorenzen’s murder with two co-conspirators: Billy Ray Turner, her landscaper and secret lover, and her cousin, Jimmie Martin.
Martin, already imprisoned for another murder, became the prosecution’s key witness in exchange for a deal.
The Chilling Murder Scene
According to Martin’s testimony, Sherra lured Lorenzen to a secluded area—one of their former romantic spots—under false pretenses. She sent flirtatious texts to entice him, leading him to believe they were reconciling. But when he arrived, he walked straight into an ambush.
Martin revealed that a previous attempt to kill Lorenzen in Atlanta had failed. This time, they were determined. After the murder, Sherra and Turner returned to the scene to collect shell casings and dispose of the weapon, which was later recovered from a lake in Walnut, Mississippi.
Convictions and Justice
Billy Ray Turner was convicted in 2022 and sentenced to life in prison plus 41 years. His role as the shooter was confirmed through ballistics and testimony. Sherra Wright, however, took a plea deal in 2019, admitting to facilitation of murder. She received a 30-year sentence, but with the possibility of parole.
Deborah Marion, Lorenzen’s mother, has continued to oppose Sherra’s early release, declaring, “As long as the blood stays warm in my body, I will be there every time.”
What Lies Ahead for Sherra Wright?
Sherra Wright is currently incarcerated at the Debra K. Johnson Rehabilitation Center in Nashville, Tennessee. She first appeared before the parole board in May 2022, tearfully requesting early release. Her request was denied. Her next parole hearing is scheduled for 2027.
If she serves her full term, she will be released at the age of 75—but many believe she has not yet fully revealed the truth about her role in the murder.
A Legacy Interrupted
Lorenzen Wright was more than an athlete—he was a father, a philanthropist, and a symbol of hope for Memphis. His brutal death and the betrayal by his ex-wife remain one of the most heartbreaking chapters in the city’s history.
His legacy lives on through the voices demanding justice, and through his mother’s tireless campaign to ensure those responsible are never forgotten.
FAQs
Who was Lorenzen Wright?
Lorenzen Wright was a professional basketball player who spent 13 seasons in the NBA and was known for his tenure with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Why did Sherra Wright kill Lorenzen Wright?
Authorities believe Sherra was motivated by financial greed and personal resentment. She quickly spent a $1 million insurance payout following his death.
Who helped Sherra Wright plan the murder?
Sherra conspired with her lover, Billy Ray Turner, and her cousin, Jimmie Martin. Martin later testified against her.
What sentence did Sherra Wright receive?
Sherra took a plea deal for facilitation of murder and was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Is Sherra Wright eligible for parole?
Yes, she will be eligible for parole in 2027, although her first request in 2022 was denied.
What happened to the other suspects?
Billy Ray Turner received a life sentence plus 41 years. Jimmie Martin was already serving a separate sentence and testified for the prosecution.