Sherra Wright attorneys ask for mental evaluation
The woman charged in connection with the 2010 murder of NBA star Lorenzen Wright was back in court on Wednesday under new legal representation.
Sherra Wright, the ex-wife of Lorenzen, returned to court for the first time since Criminal Court Judge Lee Coffee appointed attorney Juni Ganguli and co-counsel Laurie Hall as her new defense team.
In Wednesday’s brief hearing, Ganguli requested an order for a mental evaluation for Wright.
Forensic doctors will determine Wright’s mental stability and help decide whether she should be admitted to a hospital.
Ganguli said he is hopeful the doctor’s evaluation will be completed before Wright and Billy Ray Turner’s next court appearance Oct. 5.
“We want to explore every avenue that’s available to us in terms of defense,” he said. “If there’s a mental health defense available, we’ll certainly explore it.”
Wright’s upcoming mental evaluation comes on the heels of erratic behavior that strained her relationship with former lawyers Steve Farese Jr. and Blake Ballin. Last month, the duo filed a motion to withdraw representation with their now former client.
Wright was sporting a red jumpsuit when her former defense team filed the motion.
When asked about the significance of Wright’s jumpsuit, Shelby County Sheriff ’s Office spokesman Earle Farrell said the color red indicates an inmate dealing with disciplinary action.
“When you’re wearing a red jumpsuit, you lose privileges,” he said. “That means no visitors, no phone calls and no access to open areas.”
Wright was back in a standard orange colored jumpsuit on Wednesday.
Lorenzen Wright Jr. made an appearance in court but left quickly and without comment.
His grandmother Deborah said that her grandson “stands by” his mother.
“But he’s still stuck between a rock and a hard place,” she said. “Imagine what’s going on through his head ... I told him to just follow the evidence.”
Wright and co-defendant Turner are charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit firstdegree murder and attempted firstdegree murder in the case.
Turner is represented by attorney John Keith Perry.
Wright’s bond is set at $20 million, and she remains in custody. Turner is also in jail on a $15 million bond. Both have pleaded not guilty, and the state will not seek the death penalty.