Lawrence Dority Convicted of Second-Degree Murder in Fatal Shooting of Former NBA Player Adreian Payne

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A Florida jury has found Lawrence Dority guilty of second-degree murder in the 2022 shooting death of former NBA player Adreian Payne, who played for the Orlando Magic. The unanimous verdict came just 90 minutes after the jury began deliberations, concluding a nearly two-day trial. Dority had faced the possibility of being acquitted or convicted on a lesser charge of manslaughter, but jurors ultimately sided with prosecutors’ version of events.

The Trial and Testimony

Dority took the stand in his own defense, claiming he shot Payne in self-defense during a late-night confrontation outside Dority’s Orlando home on May 9, 2022. He testified that Payne, who was approximately 6'8", threatened him and appeared to be reaching for a weapon. Dority said he believed he saw a silver object in Payne’s waistband and feared for his life.

Prosecutors disputed the self-defense claim, pointing to video evidence and arguing that Payne never approached Dority’s home, never followed him, and was unarmed inside a vehicle when he was shot. The jury found that Dority’s use of force was unjustified. The court noted two special findings related to the second-degree murder conviction, although the details of those findings were not immediately disclosed. Following the verdict, Dority showed visible emotion, briefly lowering his head as someone in the courtroom audibly reacted. He was remanded into custody and will remain held by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office until his sentencing.

What Happened That Night

According to trial testimony, Payne and his girlfriend, Tara Walker, went to Dority’s home to help mediate a domestic dispute between Dority and his girlfriend, Tatiana Mesa. Payne and Dority reportedly knew each other through their girlfriends, who had been close friends for 15 years. Dority had just returned from a Mother's Day event with his 10-year-old son when he saw what he believed to be Walker’s vehicle. Upon discovering Payne inside the car, an argument ensued. Dority claimed Payne made a threat—saying “I’ll smoke you”—and appeared armed. Dority then went upstairs to retrieve a firearm and returned to confront Payne. Despite pleas from Walker to put the gun down, Dority shot Payne while he was still seated in the vehicle. Prosecutors emphasized that Payne never entered Dority’s property, did not physically threaten him, and was unarmed at the time of the shooting.

About Adreian Payne

Adreian Payne, 31, was a standout basketball player at Michigan State University before being selected 15th overall in the first round of the 2014 NBA Draft. He played for the Atlanta Hawks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Orlando Magic. Known for his athleticism and size, he was also remembered for his off-court philanthropy and mentorship, particularly with children battling illness.

What’s Next

Sentencing for Lawrence Dority is scheduled for August 29, 2025, pending a pre-sentencing investigation. He faces a potential life sentence.

Orlando - Lawrence Dority Convicted of Second-Degree Murder in Fatal Shooting of Former NBA Player Adreian Payne

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