48 Hours Mystery Season 31 Episode 55 Lorenzen Wright: No Defense

Lorenzen Wright was a beloved NBA player who was tragically killed in July 2010. His murder remained unsolved for years, until a surprise twist brought the killer to justice. "48 Hours" takes a closer look at the case in the episode titled "Lorenzen Wright: No Defense."

The episode begins with a recollection of Wright's success on the basketball court, painting a picture of a star player who had it all. However, as the episode progresses, it becomes clear that Wright's personal life was not as perfect as his professional one. He struggled with addiction and financial difficulty after retiring from the NBA, and his marriage fell apart.

On July 18, 2010, Wright's ex-wife called 911 to report him missing. His body was eventually found in a remote field in Memphis, Tennessee, with multiple gunshot wounds. As investigators delved into the case, they discovered that Wright had been communicating with his ex-wife via cell phone in the minutes leading up to his death. Suspicion grew around her and her family members, who were known to have a contentious relationship with Wright.

Despite a thorough investigation, the case remained cold for years. It wasn't until 2017, when a gun that was believed to have been used in Wright's murder was discovered in a Mississippi lake, that the case began to gain momentum again. With the help of advanced forensic technology and the key piece of evidence, investigators were finally able to make an arrest in December 2017.

Throughout the episode, viewers are taken on a deep dive into the ins and outs of the case, exploring the theories and false leads that investigators pursued over the course of seven long years. The episode also features interviews with those closest to Wright, including his mother and brother, who share their emotional reactions to the news of his death and the eventual arrest of his killer.

As the episode draws to a close, viewers are left with a sense of closure and justice for Wright and his family. "Lorenzen Wright: No Defense" is a gripping exploration of a case that captivated the nation for years, and a tribute to the life of a beloved NBA player.