CLOSURE

Ex-Wife of Slain NBA Star Lorenzen Wright Charged in His Murder

Police say they have closed one of Memphis’ most high-profile cold cases more than seven years after Lorenzen Wright was murdered.

Memphis police have charged the ex-wife of late NBA star Lorenzen Wright with first-degree murder in his 2010 death, closing one of the city’s most high-profile cold cases. Memphis Police Director Michael Rallings on Saturday said Sherra Wright faces conspiracy, first-degree murder and criminal attempt first-degree murder charges. She was arrested in California on Friday. Authorities say they believe Wright and Billy Turner, a deacon at the church the Wrights attended, had previously attempted to kill the basketball star before he was found riddled with bullets in July 2010. Turner was indicted on a first-degree murder charge earlier this month. Memphis Police Major Darren Goods said information received by the department’s gang unit “led us to Billy Turner and Sherra Wright.” No further details were given on a motive, but Goods said “the basketball connection is undeniable,” according to The Commercial Appeal. Wright played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Memphis Grizzlies, and Los Angeles Clippers during his 13 seasons with the NBA.