Podcast Summary: Snapped: Women Who Murder – Episode: Sherra Wright
Introduction
In this gripping episode of Snapped: Women Who Murder, Oxygen delves into the tragic story of Lorenzen Wright, a celebrated NBA star whose life was abruptly ended in 2010. Hosted by Kelsey Ballerini, the episode meticulously unpacks the events leading up to Wright's disappearance, the intense investigation that followed, and the eventual conviction of his ex-wife, Sherra Wright. This detailed narrative explores themes of love, betrayal, and the quest for justice, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of one of Memphis's most haunting true crime cases.
Background: Lorenzen Wright – A Hometown Hero
Lorenzen Wright was not just an NBA star; he was a beloved figure in Memphis. Born on November 4, 1975, in Oxford, Mississippi, Lorenzen excelled in basketball from a young age, guided by his father, Herb Wright, a former NBA prospect who overcame paralysis to mentor his son.
- Kelsey Ballerini [04:31]: “Lorenzen Ren Wright was born on November 4, 1975, in Oxford, Mississippi to Deborah, Marion, and Herb Wright. Although his parents never married, Lorenzen was close to both his mother and his father.”
Lorenzen's dedication to basketball earned him national recognition, culminating in his selection by the LA Clippers as the seventh overall pick in the NBA Draft. His success on the court translated into substantial earnings, with Lorenzen amassing $55 million over his career.
- Deborah Marion [09:32]: “Cheryl was always there for her kids. She was great as a mother.”
The Disappearance: July 22, 2010
On July 22, 2010, Lorenzen Wright returned to Memphis from Atlanta to visit his family. That very night, he failed to attend his son's baby shower, prompting his mother, Deborah Marion, to file a missing person report.
- Kelsey Ballerini [11:26]: “But on July 22, just days after returning to Memphis to visit his family, Lorenzen is missing.”
As news of his disappearance spread, the Memphis community was thrown into turmoil. Friends and family expressed deep concern, noting that this behavior was out of character for Lorenzen.
- Shara Robinson [03:10]: “He was called a hometown hero. So you would see his name on billboards everywhere...”
Investigation: Unraveling the Mystery
The initial investigation focused on Lorenzen's last known whereabouts, including a significant 911 call made on July 27, five days after his disappearance.
- Michael Buble [18:02]: “On July 27, detectives obtain a recording of the call from neighboring Germantown...”
This distressing 911 call captured Lorenzen hearing gunshots, indicating he was in immediate danger. However, the call was mishandled by the Germantown Police Department, leading to delays in locating Lorenzen's body.
- Deborah Marion [18:44]: “So they, in turn then contact the Germantown Police Department. They follow...”
As investigators pieced together phone records and triangulated locations, the search for Lorenzen intensified, ultimately leading to the grim discovery of his body in a secluded area near Callous Cutoff Road.
- Kelsey Ballerini [20:11]: “Along with a full forensic team and K9s, investigators head to the narrow street... And they found his body.”
The forensic evidence suggested a personal motive rather than a random act of violence, with Lorenzen's valuables remaining untouched.
- Deborah Marion [21:43]: “He still has his watch on. He still has diamond earrings and a chain which kind of right off lets you know this wasn't a robbery.”
Sherra Wright's Connection: Motive and Opportunity
Sherra Wright, Lorenzen's ex-wife, emerged as a key figure in the investigation. Their relationship had been tumultuous, marked by financial strain and personal conflicts following their divorce in February 2010.
- Shara Robinson [16:16]: “They didn't argue in front of people. So whatever happened, happened behind closed doors.”
Sherra's extensive insurance policies and significant financial control over the family’s wealth provided a potential motive for Lorenzen's murder. Investigators scrutinized her actions, particularly her persistent efforts to reconcile with Lorenzen shortly before his disappearance.
- Kelsey Ballerini [26:34]: “Investigators subpoena Shera's phone records, and it's clear that Shara had been on a campaign to get Lorenzen to come to Memphis for days before he arrived.”
Breakthrough: The Judas Moment
The case took a pivotal turn two years after Lorenzen's death when Jimmy Martin, Sherra’s cousin and a convicted murderer himself, decided to cooperate with authorities. Martin revealed that Sherra had orchestrated Lorenzen's murder, involving accomplices Billy Turner and himself.
- Deborah Marion [30:33]: “Jimmy Martin's murder trial wraps up and brings an unexpected twist.”
The corroborated evidence from Martin's testimony, combined with ballistic matches of recovered shell casings, solidified the case against Sherra and Turner.
- Adam Levine [35:28]: “The divers told us, if it's there, we're going to find it. And they went down in maybe an hour. We hear them talking to the command post. We've got a gun...”
Arrests and Trials: Bringing the Culprits to Justice
In December 2017, both Sherra Wright and Billy Turner were arrested. Sherra faced multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and the murder itself.
- Deborah Marion [39:41]: “Sherra Wright has been indicted for conspiracy to commit first-degree murder…”
Billy Turner’s trial culminated in his conviction for first-degree murder, resulting in a life sentence without parole.
- Michael Buble [44:13]: “Billy Turner didn't wake up one morning wanting to kill Lorenzen Wright. Billy Turner is somebody that was manipulated and used by Sherra Wright.”
Sherra Wright eventually pleaded guilty to facilitation of first-degree murder in July 2019, receiving a 30-year sentence with eligibility for parole in 2027.
- Kelsey Ballerini [43:18]: “On July 25, 2019, Shera pleads guilty to facilitation of first-degree murder...”
Aftermath: Legacy and Closure
Lorenzen Wright's tragic death left a lasting impact on the Memphis community and his family. His legacy as a talented athlete and a dedicated family man continues to be remembered, despite the sorrow surrounding his untimely passing.
- John Legend [44:48]: “I think he would have been actively involved in our community. That is one of the biggest things that Lorenzen had.”
While Sherra Wright and Billy Turner faced legal consequences, the emotional scars and unanswered questions linger for Lorenzen's loved ones, who continue to seek closure and honor his memory.
- Herb Wright [45:25]: “Because of that, people still grieve his loss today.”
Conclusion
This episode of Snapped: Women Who Murder offers a compelling examination of the Lorenzen Wright case, highlighting the intricate web of personal relationships and motivations that led to a tragic end. Through detailed narration and critical interviews, listeners gain a profound understanding of the complexities surrounding Lorenzen's murder and the relentless pursuit of justice by those closest to him.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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Kelsey Ballerini [04:31]: “Lorenzen Ren Wright was born on November 4, 1975, in Oxford, Mississippi to Deborah, Marion, and Herb Wright. Although his parents never married, Lorenzen was close to both his mother and his father.”
-
Shara Robinson [03:10]: “He was called a hometown hero. So you would see his name on billboards everywhere...”
-
Kelsey Ballerini [11:26]: “But on July 22, just days after returning to Memphis to visit his family, Lorenzen is missing.”
-
Michael Buble [18:02]: “On July 27, detectives obtain a recording of the call from neighboring Germantown...”
-
Kelsey Ballerini [20:11]: “Along with a full forensic team and K9s, investigators head to the narrow street... And they found his body.”
-
Deborah Marion [21:43]: “He still has his watch on. He still has diamond earrings and a chain which kind of right off lets you know this wasn't a robbery.”
-
Kelsey Ballerini [26:34]: “Investigators subpoena Shera's phone records, and it's clear that Shara had been on a campaign to get Lorenzen to come to Memphis for days before he arrived.”
-
Deborah Marion [30:33]: “Jimmy Martin's murder trial wraps up and brings an unexpected twist.”
-
Adam Levine [35:28]: “The divers told us, if it's there, we're going to find it. And they went down in maybe an hour. We hear them talking to the command post. We've got a gun...”
-
Deborah Marion [39:41]: “Sherra Wright has been indicted for conspiracy to commit first-degree murder…”
-
Kelsey Ballerini [43:18]: “On July 25, 2019, Shera pleads guilty to facilitation of first-degree murder...”
-
John Legend [44:48]: “I think he would have been actively involved in our community. That is one of the biggest things that Lorenzen had.”
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the tragic narrative of Lorenzen Wright, highlighting the critical moments and key players involved in his untimely death. Through meticulous investigation and unwavering determination, the episode underscores the pursuit of justice amidst personal turmoil and community loss.