For Immediate Release:
April 25, 2026

Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the conviction of 69-year-old MARK A. HOLDBROOKS of Closter, NJ in connection with the murder of Michael Wright on November 5, 2015. The eight-week trial began on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, and due to a change of venue, it was held before the Honorable Marybel Mercado-Ramirez, J.S.C. in Passaic County Superior Court. The defendant was found guilty on all charges on Friday, April 24, 2026. Sentencing is scheduled for Friday, July 10, 2026.

On November 10, 2015, the New York City Police Department located the body of former professional basketball player Michael Wright in an SUV parked on a Brooklyn street. Wright had previously been reported missing by his family friend and housemate, MARK A. HOLDBROOKS, with whom he lived in Closter, NJ. An investigation was initiated by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, the Closter Police Department, and the New York City Police Department. Detectives ultimately determined that five days earlier, on November 5, 2015, HOLDBROOKS drugged Wright with Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) at their Closter home before murdering him by striking him in the head with a cinder block. Wright’s vehicle was subsequently driven into Brooklyn, NY, where his body was disposed of by co-defendant King Victor, who previously pleaded guilty to related charges.

On April 24, 2026, a jury convicted MARK A. HOLDBROOKS of first-degree murder; second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose; second-degree theft by deception; third-degree theft by deception; third-degree disturbing human remains; third-degree possession of Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB); third-degree hindering his own apprehension by destruction of evidence; and fourth-degree hindering his own apprehension by providing false information to law enforcement.

In New Jersey, first-degree murder carries a sentence of 30 years to life in state prison, of which the defendant must serve 30 years before parole eligibility. Additionally, second-degree offenses generally carry a range of five to ten years; third-degree offenses carry three to five years; and fourth-degree offenses carry up to 18 months.

At trial, the State was represented by Special Deputy Attorney General Michael Cleaver, an Assistant Prosecutor from the Union County Prosecutor’s Office, who was cross-designated for this matter. He was assisted by Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Kyle Ust and Victim Advocate Susan Tanis.

Prosecutor Mark Musella thanks the prosecution team for its zealous advocacy for the victim and his family, and for helping to bring justice for Mr. Wright. He further recognizes the vital partnership of the Union County Prosecutor’s Office and the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office throughout the duration of this complex prosecution. Moreover, Prosecutor Musella commends the detectives of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and the members of the Closter Police Department for their skill and professionalism in investigating this matter. Finally, he thanks the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office and the New York City Police Department for their collective assistance since the very beginning of this case.