Closter Man Convicted in Brutal 2015 Murder of Former Knicks Draft Pick Michael Wright
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Closter Nj, After nearly a decade of searching for answers, a Bergen County jury has delivered a guilty verdict in the shocking 2015 killing of basketball star Michael Wright. The case, which spans from the quiet streets of Closter, New Jersey, to a parked SUV in Brooklyn, concluded this week with a conviction that finally closes a dark chapter in NBA history.
The Verdict: Guilty on All Counts
On April 24, 69-year-old Mark Holdbrooks was found guilty of first-degree murder following a rigorous eight-week trial. Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella confirmed that the jury also convicted Holdbrooks on additional charges related to the November 2015 death of his longtime housemate and family friend.
Due to a change of venue, the trial took place in Passaic County Superior Court before Judge Marybel Mercado-Ramirez. Holdbrooks is now facing a lifetime behind bars, with sentencing scheduled for July 10.
A Cold-Blooded Betrayal
The investigation, a collaborative effort between the Closter Police Department, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, and the NYPD, revealed a calculated and gruesome plot.
On November 5, 2015, authorities say Holdbrooks drugged Wright inside their shared Closter residence. While Wright was incapacitated, Holdbrooks delivered a fatal blow to his head with a cinder block.
To cover up the crime, Holdbrooks originally reported Wright missing. Meanwhile, co-defendant King Victor (who previously pleaded guilty) drove Wright’s vehicle into Brooklyn, NY, where the body was abandoned inside the SUV. It wasn’t until November 10 that New York City police discovered the grim scene.
Remembering Michael Wright: A Basketball Legacy
Michael Wright was a standout talent whose career took him across the globe.
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College Stardom: A powerhouse at the University of Arizona, Wright was a key player for the Wildcats.
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The NBA Draft: He was selected by the New York Knicks in the 2001 NBA Draft.
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International Success: Though he never officially took the court for the Knicks, Wright enjoyed a prolific career playing professionally in Turkey and throughout Europe.
The basketball community has long mourned the loss of Wright, whose life was cut short at just 35 years old. This conviction brings a sense of closure to his family, former teammates, and fans worldwide.
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Tags: Crime News New Jersey NBA Michael Wright Bergen County Justice True Crime
I have no idea who he is. I haven’t watched an NBA game since 1999.