Cops nab suspect in 2010 shooting death of ex-NBA player Lorenzen Wright

Authorities have made an arrest in connection with the 2010 shooting death of former NBA center Lorenzen Wright.

According to Fox News, investigators in Shelby County, Tennessee, believe 46-year-old Billy Turner killed Wright more than seven years ago near Memphis.

The 13-year NBA veteran had retired just a year prior to his death at the age of 34.

Turner’s arrest and indictment on first-degree murder charges came just weeks after authorities announced they recovered the suspected murder weapon from an area lake.

WREG identified the suspect as a church deacon and spoke to at least one neighbor who found his involvement in the crime implausible.

“Not Billy Ray,” the friend said. “I find that hard to believe.”

When Wright’s ex-wife, Sherra, last saw him, she said he was leaving her home with cash and drugs in the apparent hope of a big financial score. He reportedly left in a vehicle with someone she did not recognize.

An affidavit alleges Wright told her he planned to “flip something for $110,000.”

Emergency dispatchers later revealed a 911 call came from Wright’s cellphone near a Memphis suburb on the morning of July 19. Though the call reportedly included sounds of apparent gunshots, the dispatcher did not send any emergency personnel and only let a supervisor know about the suspicious call days later.

A few days after that, Wright’s mother filed a missing-persons report. It was later still before authorities connected the prior 911 call to the case.

His severely decayed body was found during the summer of 2010 in a wooded area. Analysis of his remains indicated he was shot in his head, chest and right arm.

[Featured image: Lorenzen Wright/Associated Press]