Police Search for Clues in Lorenzen Wright's Death

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The investigation into Lorenzen Wright's homicide continued as soon as the sun came up Thursday morning.

More than 60 Memphis Police recruits combed the field between Hacks Cross Rd and Germantown Road in Southeast Memphis where Wright's body was discovered just after 2:00pm Wednesday. Investigators state that at least 10 shells from the same gun were found while searching for evidence.

Memphis Police officially confirmed Thursday afternoon that the body was that of Lorenzen Wright, although sources close to the investigation had previously confirmed that with FOX13. A forensics report determined that the cause of death was homicide by gunshot wounds.

Memphis Police are also looking into a 9-1-1 tape made from Wright's cell phone in the early hours of July 19. Sources who have heard the tape say it's chilling; you can hear Wright screaming, followed by several gun shots.

Wright's body was found in an overgrown field, several yards away from the road. Sources say that is likely where he died, and that someone purposely cut a barbed wire on the fence surrounding the area.

Friends say the route was a common shortcut for Wright when leaving his mother's house.

Police are looking for multiple suspects in the murder, though won't say if any have been identified.

Court documents show that Wright acknowledged to the FBI that in 2008 he sold two luxury vehicles, a Mercedes sedan and a Cadillac SUV, to Bobby Cole. The affidavits about the business deal don't show if Wright knew that Cole had been indicted in 2007 on drug distribution charges or if they knew each other.

Cole told the FBI he was connected to the organization run by Craig Petties, an accused drug kingpin charged with racketeering and conspiracy in six murders.

In 2008, Cole offered to turn over to Drug Enforcement Administration agents three vehicles he bought with drug money, including a 2007 Cadillac Escalade SUV and a 2008 Mercedes Benz S63 that had been registered to Wright.

Wright told agents he had sold two vehicles to Cole and he no longer owned them, although registration records listed the Cadillac in Wright's name and the Mercedes in one of Wright's business investments, Allwright Automotive LLC.

In federal court filings, Lorenzen Wright claimed ownership of the cars and said he didn't know the property was used in a crime. A federal judge entered a default judgment in favor of the government in March 2010 and the vehicles were forfeited and the case closed.

According to an official release from Memphis Police, Collierville Police, Germantown Police and the Shelby County Sheriff's Department are all assisting in the investigation.

The Wright family released the following statement:

Lorenzen's family has come together to mourn his loss and honor his legacy. We appreciate your thoughts, prayers and condolences as they are comforting at this very difficult time. Additionally, we ask that you please respect our privacy as we try to cope with his sudden loss.

A memorial account for Lorenzen Wright has been opened by his family. Donations are being accepted at any Memphis-area Regions Bank.