Judge Calls for Release of Man Convicted of Killing Michael Jordan’s Father
Background
The North Carolina judge who presided over the 1996 murder trial of two men accused of killing Michael Jordan’s father has petitioned the state’s parole commission to release one of the convicted men. Retired Judge Gregory Weeks has called for the release of Daniel Green, who was sentenced to life in prison for the fatal shooting of James Jordan, a North Carolina Department of Corrections communication officer.
The Murder and Trial
On July 23, 1993, James Jordan, Michael Jordan’s father, was shot and killed during a botched robbery while sleeping in his red Lexus along a North Carolina highway. The car was gifted to him by his son, who at the time had led the Chicago Bulls to the first three of his six NBA titles. His body was found in a South Carolina swamp days after the killing and was identified through dental records.
Convictions and Sentences
Daniel Green and his co-defendant, Larry Demery, were both 18 years old at the time of the murder. Green was found guilty of murder during the commission of a robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery, while Demery pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, armed robbery, and conspiracy to commit robbery. Both were sentenced to life in prison.
Green’s Guilty Plea
Despite being convicted of murder, Green has always maintained that he did not kill James Jordan, but admitted to helping dispose of the body. Demery, on the other hand, testified that Green pulled the trigger and killed James Jordan.
Parole Commission Review
The details of Judge Weeks’ petition are not publicly available, as parole commission hearings in North Carolina are confidential and not open to the public. Weeks and Michael Jordan did not return requests for comment.
Conclusion
The request for Green’s release has sparked new questions about the fairness of his conviction and the justice system. While the case is complex, it is clear that the family of James Jordan, including his famous son Michael, has been affected by the murder for decades. A decision by the parole commission is expected in the coming weeks.
FAQs
Q: Who was James Jordan?
A: James Jordan was the father of Michael Jordan and a North Carolina Department of Corrections communication officer.
Q: Who was convicted of his murder?
A: Daniel Green and Larry Demery were convicted of his murder in 1996.
Q: What was the sentence imposed on the convicted men?
A: Both Green and Demery were sentenced to life in prison.
Q: Why did Judge Weeks petition for Green’s release?
A: The reasons for the petition were not made public, as parole commission hearings in North Carolina are confidential and not open to the public.
