Lorenzen Wright Murder Confirmed; Authorities Say Gunshot Killed Ex-NBA Player

By: Barry Leibowitz
Topics: Daily Blotter

Lorenzen Wright (Publicity Photo)

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (CBS/WREG) Memphis police have confirmed the murder of former NBA player Lorenzen Wright. Relatives of Wright had previously said remains found in a wooded area were his, and Thursday afternoon, the Shelby County Medical Examiner officially identified the victim as Wright. The cause of death has been ruled a homicide by gunshot wound, according to CBS affiliate WREG.

The medical examiner made the identification through dental records.

Police also confirmed a 911 call was placed from Wright's phone in the early hours of July 19th, the last day he was seen by family members.

The 34-year-old Memphis native was reported missing on July 22.

The 6'11" Wright played in the NBA for more than a decade for five different teams.

CBS affiliate WREG contributed to this story.

Complete coverage of the Lorenzen Wright case on Crimesider.

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by OaktownNiki July 30, 2010 2:10 PM EDT: A new picture much better suited for this sad story. Thank you CBS for listening and learning.; Reply to this comment

by krys31709 July 30, 2010 6:53 AM EDT

R.I.P. Lorenzen Wright... and I agree with the above statements it is so sad how they would choose this pic to display.... I would expect this from FOX news not CBS news.... Put another picture up IDIOTS!!!

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by MPHgrad July 30, 2010 7:47 AM EDT: I also had the same thoughts about the picture. He was always smiling and there are several photographs demonstrating that on other news organization websites. They certainly should have selected a better one. My thoughts go to his family particularly his remaining children (one preceded him in death).


by Bevleggz July 30, 2010 12:57 AM EDT: bakerface1, i agree with you totally!! i thought the same thing when i looked at the pic they chose for this segment.... i had no knowledge of him having a mug shot but funny (strange) how they do this to black men....So sorry for his family i will be praying for them and their loss.; Reply to this comment

by tiredofthebs July 29, 2010 11:31 PM EDT

Looks like my comment was removed. Let's try again. I'll be watching this one closely. Local reporters are saying that a 911 call was made from his cellphone the night he disappeared. It's reported that gunshots could be heard in the call. Both the Germantown & Collierville police departments are pointing fingers because apparently nothing was done. Too, it's being reported that there was something VERY ODD about the crime scene. If it's true, finding the killer will be easy.

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by MPHgrad July 30, 2010 7:50 AM EDT: You are correct. However, Collierville really was not supposed to respond to the call. The area where he was found boarders Memphis (partially unincorporated Shelby County) and Germantown. It is adjacent to the FedEx world headquarters. So really either Memphis, Shelby County, and/or Germantown authorities should be scrutinized.

by bakerface1 July 29, 2010 7:28 PM EDT

This man was a father and a son. He was tragically murdered and this is the picture you selected to be posted with the story? You should be ashamed of yourself. You pick a photo that looks like a mug shot. YAHOO has a picture of him laughing and smiling on the bench....so distasteful

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by jacquelinejones July 29, 2010 10:46 PM EDT: I agree Baker...
At first glance I thought Oh Hey, they got the suspect cause it looks like a mug shot. This whole thing so sad. I hope they find the killer and justice is done.


by ThinkBeforeYouAct July 29, 2010 11:13 PM EDT: I took the time to sign up JUST so that I could echo BAKERFACE1's adept comments. This is truly despicable (distasteful at the least) and part of the problem. Please don't dismiss these comments out of some sense of indignation, Baker's comment is more than legitimate. (Without being too judgmental myself - I am guessing the person responsible for this has limited contact with black people.)


by margieboy July 30, 2010 1:01 AM EDT: I think it is probably his driver's license photo. That is often the easiest one to get. I agree with you, though, that since he was a pro basketball player, they could have found a better picture.


by super_dolly July 29, 2010 7:17 PM EDT: This is so sad, poor guy. I hope his family has a lot of support during all of this; Reply to this comment