Murder: True Crime Stories - SPECIAL: Basketball Murders

Host: Carter Roy

Introduction

In this special episode of Murder: True Crime Stories, Crime House delves into two high-profile basketball-related murders: the tragic case of Patrick Dennehy and the enigmatic death of Lorenzen Wright. These stories not only shed light on the dark underbelly of the sports world but also explore the profound impacts on the lives intertwined with these events.

1. The Disappearance and Murder of Patrick Dennehy

Timestamp: [00:06]

Carter Roy sets the stage by highlighting the intense world of basketball, where dreams of going pro often mask darker realities. Patrick Dennehy, a 21-year-old promising basketball player, serves as the focal point of the first tragic narrative.

Background and Transfer to Baylor University

Patrick Dennehy transferred to the Baylor University Bears in the summer of 2003, hoping to reignite his professional aspirations after a tumultuous stint at the University of New Mexico. Despite his off-court issues, coach Dave Bliss saw potential in Patrick and offered him a scholarship, even covering his tuition and gifting him a Chevy Tahoe—actions that would later come under scrutiny.

Friendship with Carlton Dotson

Patrick quickly bonded with fellow transfer Carlton Dotson, who was grappling with his own mental health issues. Their friendship seemed strong, with Patrick even offering Carlton a place to stay during tough times.

Patrick's Disappearance

On June 15, 2003, Father's Day, Patrick failed to contact his stepfather as usual. His roommate noticed that Patrick's dogs were unfed, raising suspicions. By June 19, with no word from Patrick or Carlton, a missing persons report was filed. Initial investigations were inconclusive until Patrick's car was found in Virginia Beach, 1,400 miles away, adding complexity to the case.

Suspicion Falls on Carlton Dotson

A cousin of Patrick reported that Carlton was involved in Patrick's death, prompting authorities to question Carlton. However, without concrete evidence, the investigation stalled. Further probing revealed that both Patrick and Carlton had connections with local drug dealers, receiving threats that escalated to a break-in of Patrick's car. In July, Carlton confessed to killing Patrick during a gun practice session, leading to his arrest and the discovery of Patrick's remains.

Allegations Against Coach Dave Bliss

Timestamp: [17:46]

The investigation unearthed disturbing details about Baylor University's basketball program. Coach Dave Bliss had violated NCAA bylaws by personally funding Patrick's education and providing gifts, actions intended to secure Patrick's place on the team. When doubts arose, Bliss attempted to tarnish Patrick's reputation by falsely accusing him of drug dealing, thereby manipulating both internal and external narratives to protect his career.

Bliss's deceit eventually caught up with him. Internal recordings revealed his willingness to fabricate evidence to support his claims, leading to his resignation and sanctions from the NCAA. Despite efforts to rebuild his career away from the NCAA, Bliss's reputation remained irreparably damaged, highlighting the extreme measures he took to conceal his misconduct.

2. The Tragic Death of Lorenzen Wright

Timestamp: [28:49]

Transitioning to the second case, Carter Roy narrates the mysterious disappearance and murder of Lorenzen Wright, a beloved former NBA player.

Background and Retirement

Lorenzen Wright, at 34, had recently retired from the NBA after a 13-year career, most notably with the Memphis Grizzlies. Despite his financial earnings, Wright faced significant debt, leading to strained relationships and eventual divorce from his wife, Shara.

Disappearance and Initial Investigation

On July 18, 2010, Lorenzen flew into Memphis to visit his ex-wife and children. After dropping off his son, he vanished. Friends and family grew concerned, especially after reports of Lorenzen's financial woes and alleged involvement with drug dealers surfaced, though these claims were later debunked by federal investigations.

Discovery of the Body and Initial Leads

Four days after his disappearance, Lorenzen's body was found in a wooded area near Memphis, showing signs of multiple gunshot wounds from two different firearms. Investigators faced the challenge of identifying the motive and suspects, with initial suspicions falling on Shara Wright due to her financial troubles.

Renewed Investigation and Breakthrough

Years passed with the case growing cold until a tip in 2017 led to the discovery of one of the murder weapons in Mississippi. Arrests followed swiftly:

• Billy Ray Turner: A local landscaper with a criminal history, arrested for Lorenzen's murder.
• Shara Wright: Lorenzen's ex-wife, arrested as an accomplice.

Revelations and Trial

Testimonies revealed that Shara had conspired with Turner, motivated by financial gain from life insurance payouts. Innocuous conversations and actions, such as Shara writing a novel mirroring the murder, added layers to the case. In 2019, Shara pleaded guilty to orchestrating Lorenzen's death, receiving a 30-year sentence, while Turner was sentenced to 41 years in prison.

Impact on the Memphis Community

Lorenzen Wright was remembered fondly for his contributions to basketball and his philanthropic efforts. His murder not only shocked the community but also served as a grim reminder that success does not shield one from personal tragedies and betrayals.

Conclusion

This episode of Murder: True Crime Stories intricately weaves the narratives of two basketball players whose lives were cut short amidst personal and professional turmoil. Through meticulous investigation and compelling storytelling, Carter Roy illuminates the profound effects these murders had on their families, communities, and the institutions they were part of. These cases underscore the complex interplay between ambition, personal struggles, and the lengths individuals may go to secure their legacies, for better or worse.

Notable Quotes

• Carter Roy: "Sometimes the final chapter arrives far too soon, and we don't always get to know the real ending." [00:06]

• Dr. Tristan Engels: "Pick up fees may apply." [04:51] (Note: Context indicates a brief advertisement)

• Jeremy Schwartz: "Would you cheat? Would you lie? Would you kill my mom and dad?" [39:25]

Final Thoughts

Carter Roy wraps up the special, emphasizing the importance of uncovering these stories to honor the victims and understand the underlying factors that lead to such tragedies. He also previews the next installment covering another basketball-related murder, ensuring listeners stay engaged with the ongoing exploration of true crime's darkest corners.

Support and Additional Content

Listeners are encouraged to support the podcast by rating, reviewing, and following Murder: True Crime Stories on their preferred platforms. Additionally, Crime House Studios is launching a new show, Killer Minds, which delves deeper into the psychology of notorious criminals, promising more insightful and gripping content.

Credits

This episode was powered by PAVE Studios and crafted by the Murder True Crime Stories team, including Max Cutler, Robert Ron Shapiro, Alex Benedon, Natalie Pertzovsky, Lori Marinelli, Sarah Carroll, Joe Guerra, Hania Said, and Russell Nash. Special mentions to sponsors that support the production of such in-depth storytelling.