In addition, Wright was handed another 8 years and 4 months for robbery and theft of Merker's automobile.
Wright admits to choking Merker but claimed it was only to "disable" him after a sexual encounter became violent and Merker became "forceful".
Prosecutors say Merker deliberately killed Merker to obtain money for drugs.
Merker, 63, was a former News Director and Program Director and last worked for San Diego radio station, KOGO until 1997.
Retiring from broadcasting in 1997, Merker worked 2 years as a media and public relations specialist. He was murdered in December, 2001.
Merker's broadcast career also included time at KSDO, San Diego, KYMN, Portland, Oregon, and KIMN, Denver.
