NBA player Lorenzen Wright’s ex-wife, Sherra Wright, was arrested on Friday in connection with his murder.
The arrest comes seven years after Lorenzen Wright was shot to death in a suburb of Tennessee.
Sherra’s indictment is currently sealed, but Lorenzen’s mother, Deborah Marion, said police charged Sherra with murder.
On Tuesday, Billy Turner, a deacon at the church the couple used to attend, was also arrested and charged with first-degree murder. He pleaded not guilty.
BREAKING: “My baby can lay down now” That’s from Lorenzen Wright’s mom after hearing about Sherry’s arrest. Just spoke with Deborah Marion. For 7 years she has fought for justice. She says she won’t stop yet. pic.twitter.com/oQv2YnzXHy
— Mearl Purvis (@Mearlonfox13) December 16, 2017
A shocking murder
The NBA player’s murder was one of Memphis’ highest-profile cold cases, until the murder weapon was found in Mississippi last month.
Lorenzen, 34, played for the Cleveland Cavaliers and was last seen on July 18, 2010, after he left the home of ex-wife.
On July 19, police got a phone call from Lorenzen’s cell, and according to dispatchers, they heard what sounded like gunshots before the call ended.
Because they were unsure what jurisdiction the call came from, authorities did not pass the information onto patrol officers or commanders. Days later, a patrol officer was sent to give the information to Memphis police.
On July 22, 2010, Lorenzen’s mother filed a missing person’s report with police in Collierville.
Apparently there was a lack of communication among officers and no one linked the 911 call to Lorenzen’s missing person’s report.
A possible motive
Lorenzen Wright’s body was found with bullet fragments in his skull, right forearm and his chest. Due to the summer heat causing deterioration to the body, authorities were unable to gather much evidence.
According to Gail Mathes, Sherra Wright’s divorce lawyer, Sherra divorced Lorenzen months before he was murdered. The ex-wife had not held a job in 17 years and was approximately $3 million in debt.
Lorenzen’s mother believes Sherra killed her son to get the $1 million life insurance policy.