Valley college football coach shot to death by father, police say

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Wednesday morning was intended to be family time for the Wrights.

William Wright Junior, or ‘Billy’ as he was known to most, was getting together with his father, 52-year-old William Wright Sr., and siblings.

At some point, a verbal argument arose and took a very violent turn.

They had an argument and the argument was over how they disciplined children,” says Fresno Police Lt. Paul Cervantes. “And ultimately, we lead with him arming himself and tragically mortally wounding his own son.”

Wright Junior’s toddler son was taken out of the room before police say he was shot in the chest by his father.

“God’s going to help us get through this, but we love them both and so it’s hard for all of us,” says Bridget Price, mother of William Wright Jr.

Wright Junior’s mother says he was a father of two boys — a baby and a toddler.
He was a football coach at the College of the Sequoias in Visalia. Before that, a coach at Reedley College.

His mom says he was passionate about football, but the impact he made on young people in the Valley went further than that.

“He was just a wonderful person where he helped people get into college,” Price said. “He helped them with their paperwork and gave them all this knowledge.”

Price hopes that those who hear this story will keep the peace in their own families
“When emotions get high, we have to de-escalate and it’s so unfortunate, but I hope that others hear this story and just hope this won’t happen to anyone else,” she said.

Wright Sr. is still behind bars facing a charge of murder.

If you are the victim of domestic abuse, or you know someone who is, there is help available 24/7. In Fresno County, call the Marjaree Mason Center at (559) 233-4357. In all other locations, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233.

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