Former NBA Draft Pick Michael Wright Found Dead On E. 16th Street, Ruled A Homicide

Police have identified the body found in the backseat of a Lexus SUV Tuesday that had been sitting on East 16th Street near Avenue J since at least Sunday as former New York Knicks draft pick Michael Wright.

Wright was found in the backseat of the vehicle with trash bags covering his body and an apparent head wound, according to police.

The Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy and has deemed the incident a homicide. Police sources told the Daily News that he was possibly killed by a man he met on the gay dating app, Grindr.

“We are extremely saddened to hear about this tragedy and our thoughts are with the Michael Wright ‘s family and friends. We treat all reports of crime very seriously and, if contacted by authorities, will fully cooperate,” said a Grindr spokesperson in response to the news.

Michael Wright was drafted to the New York Knicks in 2001 after playing at the University of Arizona, however, he never made the Knicks roster and had been playing basketball overseas for the last several years, according to the News.

He lived in Closter, New Jersey when he was not abroad. His roommates reported him missing on Sunday.

Police say there have been no arrests and the investigation is ongoing.

Updated 5:30pm: This post has been updated to include a response from the gay dating app, Grindr.