Arrest made 7 years after police found ex-Hawks player's bullet-riddled body

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Tennessee authorities have made an arrest in the 2010 murder of former Atlanta Hawks player Lorenzen Wright.

Investigators charged a man identified as Billy Turner, 46, Tuesday morning with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Wright, according to the Shelby County District Attorney's Office.

Wright was last seen alive on July 18, 2010, when he left the home of his ex-wife.

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The next day police received a phone call from Wright's cellphone, but it was interrupted by gunfire, according to the D.A.

Wright's body was found on July 28, 2010 in a field in Memphis.

The star athlete, then 34, had been shot multiple times.

INVESTIGATION

Investigators found the murder weapon in a lake near Walnut, Mississippi, just last month.

The Memphis Police Department and the Shelby County District Attorney's Office held a news conference Tuesday afternoon on Turner’s arrest.

Authorities said the investigation is ongoing.

WRIGHT HISTORY

The 6-foot-11 (210-centimeter) Wright played for the Atlanta Hawks, Memphis Grizzlies and three other NBA teams as a forward and center over 13 seasons before retiring in 2009. He averaged 8 points per game and more than 6 rebounds per game during his career.

Born and raised in Memphis, he was a fan favorite thanks to his charity work with youth and his father's involvement as a coach in summer leagues.

Former NBA players and friends, including Anfernee Hardaway and Elliot Perry, attended a memorial service for Wright in the days after his body was found.

Cox Media Group