When former NBA player Lorenzen Wright was tragically murdered in 2010, the public eye turned instantly toward his ex-wife, Sherra Wright-Robinson, and their children. Years later, Sherra pleaded guilty to facilitating his murder, sending shockwaves through the sports and legal worlds. Behind the headlines and courtrooms stood a group of kids forced to navigate an unimaginable family crisis while growing up under intense media scrutiny.
Today, the children of Sherra Wright-Robinson and Lorenzen Wright are carving out their own paths as adults. This article examines the lives of the Wright children, tracking where they are now, how they managed the aftermath of the trial, and the legacy left behind by their parents.
Understanding the Family Background
Sherra Wright-Robinson and Lorenzen Wright shared a turbulent history that ultimately ended in divorce shortly before Lorenzen's disappearance and death. Together, they welcomed seven children: Lorenzen Jr., Loren, Lamar, Shamar, Sierra, Lawson, and Sofia.
The family faced an early tragedy when their infant daughter, Sierra, passed away from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in 2003 at just eleven months old. Sherra later established the Sierra Simone Wright Scholarship Fund to honor her memory, helping students in Memphis afford college. Following Lorenzen's death, Sherra relocated with the remaining children to California, where they lived until her arrest in 2017.
Where Are the Wright Children Today?
The six surviving children have each handled the tremendous pressure of their family's history differently, leaning on one another for support.
Lorenzen Wright Jr.
As the eldest, born in April 1995, Lorenzen Jr. experienced his father's NBA career firsthand. He pursued athletics himself, playing college basketball at Robert Morris University. He later transitioned into coaching high school students and working in fitness and finance, balancing professional pursuits while supporting his younger siblings across Tennessee and California.
Loren Wright
Loren, the eldest daughter, stepped into a profound caretaking role after their mother's imprisonment. Working as a qualified nurse, she took on significant guardian responsibilities for her youngest sister, Sofia, helping maintain stability in California.
Lamar and Shamar Wright
The twin brothers, born in 2000, were just ten years old when they lost their father. Both brothers kept their father's athletic spirit alive by playing collegiate basketball for the Cougars at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. They have remained vocal about their family bonds and personal resilience, with Lamar also starting his own family.
Lawson and Sofia Wright
Lawson and Sofia are the youngest members of the family. While Lawson has maintained a quieter, more private life based out of Texas, Sofia grew up primarily under the care of her older sister Loren in California.
Coping with Public Scrutiny and Trials
Growing up in the public eye after a high-profile homicide trial is uniquely challenging. When Sherra Wright-Robinson entered a guilty plea in 2019 to avoid a potential trial outcome, she stated that her decision was made to protect and spare her children further trauma.
Throughout the legal proceedings, the children frequently expressed loyalty to their mother, even organizing efforts to support her during the initial legal battles. Balancing the grief of losing a father with the incarceration of a mother forced the siblings to mature quickly, relying heavily on tight-knit familial bonds rather than outside public sympathy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many children did Sherra Wright-Robinson and Lorenzen Wright have?
They had seven children together: Lorenzen Jr., Loren, twins Lamar and Shamar, Sierra, Lawson, and Sofia. Tragically, their daughter Sierra passed away as an infant from SIDS.
What happened to Lorenzen Wright?
Lorenzen Wright was a former NBA star who played for teams like the Memphis Grizzlies and Cleveland Cavaliers. He went missing in July 2010, and his body was discovered days later in a wooded area in southeast Memphis with multiple gunshot wounds.
Why was Sherra Wright-Robinson imprisoned?
In December 2017, Sherra was arrested and charged in connection with her ex-husband's murder. In 2019, she pleaded guilty to facilitation of first-degree murder and facilitation of attempted first-degree robbery, resulting in a 30-year prison sentence.
Are the Wright children involved in sports?
Yes. Several of the children inherited athletic talents. Lorenzen Jr. played college basketball and coached, while twins Lamar and Shamar played NCAA Division I basketball.