MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)—Relatives and friends of the late former NBA star Lorenzen Wright, whose killing remains unsolved, pleaded for the community’s help and prayed for justice Thursday night during a candlelight vigil that marked one year since his body was found in southeast Memphis.
About 125 people attended the outdoor vigil, including his cousin, Jareba Vassar, who recalled how Wright gave out trophies and gifts during free basketball camps he organized for the children of his hometown of Memphis. Vassar and her family have struggled to deal with the death of Wright, who was shot multiple times.
Police have not made an arrest in his killing, and Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong has acknowledged that detectives are not close to solving the crime.
“If you know anything, please help us out,” Vassar said, wiping away tears.
Fans in attendance expressed frustration that the case has not been solved and criticized NBA players for not doing enough to help his family. Several speakers at the service, including William Bell Jr., asked for public contributions to help raise the small reward of $6,000 from the city for anyone who can provide information leading to an arrest.
“There’s no peace in the grave of Lorenzen Wright until justice is served,” said Bell, pastor of Greater Cloud of Witness Ministries in Memphis.
Wright played for the Memphis Grizzlies and four other NBA teams as a forward and center, averaging 7.9 points and 6.3 rebounds over 13 seasons before retiring in 2009. Nicknamed “Ren,” Wright also played high school and college ball in Memphis, where he was a fan favorite because of his charity work with youth and his father’s involvement as a coach in summer leagues.
Wright’s body was found in a field near a wooded area on July 28, 2010. The 34-year-old father of six children was missing for 10 days before his decomposing body was discovered.
Police have been blamed for making mistakes early in the investigation. Wright’s parents have filed a $2 million lawsuit, accusing two suburban police departments of mishandling an emergency call and a missing person’s report. Officials in the two municipalities have declined comment.
Armstrong, who took over as Memphis police chief in April, has said he plans to ask city officials to increase the reward.
The vigil was held at the Outdoor Plaza of FedExForum, home of the NBA’s Grizzlies. It was a more intimate event than the memorial service held inside the FedEx Forum after Wright’s body was found. Thousands of people, including NBA players and politicians, attended last year’s service. Wright also played for the Atlanta Hawks, Sacramento Kings, Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Clippers.
This time, no NBA players were there. Mayor A C Wharton made a brief speech and hugged relatives.
Henry Hooper, a friend of Wright’s, chastised NBA players for failing to support Wright’s family and help raise the city-sponsored reward.
“These guys sit out there with big dollars and make no effort to take care of their own,” Hooper said. “Money talks. Money will get you information.”
When asked whether there was a place for the Grizzlies to help increase the reward, Greg Campbell, the team’s director of business operations, said the team has spoken with the family.
“We’re behind them and we’re helping them wherever we can,” Campbell said, without mentioning any specifics about a financial donation.
Wright’s mother, Deborah Marion, concluded the tear-filled event by thanking people who attended.
“I thought everyone had just left him by the wayside,” Marion said.