LOS ANGELES – A former Inglewood Unified teacher charged with murder made his first court appearance in a cold case that occured in 2005.
Charles Wright, 56, was arrested in late January on 16-year-old murder charges in connection to the death of Pertina Epps.
Epps’ body was found April 26, 2005, in a Gardena carport off Rosecrans Blvd. around 1 p.m in the 2700 block of West 141st Pl.
“I hope they have the right person this time,” said the victims mother after she reached out to 2UrbanGirls.
Wright’s arrest came after new technology was used to determine the source of DNA found on Epps’ body. A fingerprint allegedly belonging to Wright was also found at the crime scene.
Wright vehemently denies the charges.
“I didn’t do this,” Wright said. “The thing is, everybody that knows me knows that I used to sell bags and clothes out of my car … That’s the only possible way it could happen.” He said he believes people who purchased bags from him during that time period could confirm his story.
Wright’s attorney is demanding discovery to learn all evidence in the Sheriff departments custody which led to the charges.
Wright was arrested January 27 and released after posting bail. He has since resigned from his position at Inglewood Unified School District where he was a math and history teacher.
“Mr. Wright is a great teacher, mentor, and friend, and I don’t believe the charges,” said one of his students who declined to be identified. “Mr. Wright is one of those teachers that keep it real with you and looks out for students always encouraging us to take life and our studies seriously.”
3 Comments
I was a student of Mr wright I can. Say that he did say and mention the he sold bag and shorts and things like that so idk he was a good man
We also know Mr Wright and don’t believe he has EVER been inappropriate with any students. We hate to see this happening to him.
he was a good man