NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Death row inmate Charles Wright died of natural causes Friday in Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville.
Wright was pronounced dead at 11:57 a.m.
He was convicted of Murder 1 in Davidson County. He was sentenced to death on April 5, 1985. His execution was scheduled for Oct. 10.
As required by TDOC policies for all in custody deaths, an autopsy has been requested.
Wright's attorney, Kelley Henry, released the following statement after his passing:
"Mr. Wright passed away at 11:59 AM after a lengthy battle with cancer. Mr. Wright has a large and loving family who visited him faithfully since his incarceration in 1985. They are heartbroken at his loss. He also formed deep friendships with prison volunteers who visited him over the years.
He has been my client since 2000. Mr. Wright was funny, caring, and loyal. He had many friends in Unit 2 who cared for him when he first became ill. Don Johnson was among them.
We are grateful to the medical staff and RMSI for their professional and considerate care of Mr. Wright. He has struggled a great deal these past six months. He fought mightily to beat his illness. He desperately wanted to one day touch the grass and eat his sister’s cooking. He will be missed."
