Judge urges release of Michael Jordan’s father’s killer as new information emerges

Nearly 30 years after the tragic murder of James R. Jordan Sr., father of NBA legend and NASCAR team owner Michael Jordan, convicted murderer Daniel Green may soon gain his freedom. The case, which garnered widespread attention following its high-profile convictions in 1996, is now under renewed scrutiny as the North Carolina Parole Board considers Green’s possible release, according to The New York Times.

James Jordan was murdered on a North Carolina highway in July 1993 as he rested in his car. Two teenagers, Daniel Green and Larry Demery, were accused of the crime and later convicted. The act of violence confused the public due to its random nature and, unsurprisingly, had a profound effect on Michael Jordan, leading to his unexpected first retirement from professional basketball in 1993.

After Jordan’s body was identified, things happened quickly: Daniel Green was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison under North Carolina’s aggravated murder statute. Larry Demery, who was convicted based on his plea deal, testified against Green and claimed he was the shooter, a key factor in Green’s conviction. Both the accuracy and fairness of this sentencing process depended heavily on the testimony presented at the time.

Nearly three decades after the trial, newly expressed concerns about the verdict have brought the focus back to the case. Judge Gregory Weeks has admitted regret over the decisions made during the trial. He recently sought Green’s release, citing nagging concerns about the legitimacy of the evidence, including inconclusive blood test results.

“I have never been as haunted as he was by this case,” Weeks told the commission.

Daniel Green, who was 18 at the time of the crime, maintains his innocence in the murder itself, but admits his role in the handling of the body. He has consistently maintained that he was innocent of the murder and only became implicated after Larry Demery asked for his assistance following the crime. Green has written a statement to the parole board expressing deep regret for his part in the events and stating:

“Every day I live with the regret and pain and suffering that my youthful choices caused. I regret the harm my actions have caused the Jordan family.”

The advocacy for Green’s case goes beyond Judge Weeks. Supporters such as Rev. Thomas Jones have expressed strong support for the call for Green’s release. Jones, a well-known criminal justice advocate, was struck by the judge’s request:

“When I heard the judge speak on his behalf, I cried. I was speechless.”

Additionally, organizations such as the North Carolina Center on Actual Innocence, led by Christine Mumma, continue to work on Green’s behalf. They argue for a new trial based on alleged due process violations and ineffective legal advice in the first trial.

James Jordan was a role model for his son, influencing both his personal and professional development and sharing a common passion for sports. A former soldier turned mechanic, he was instrumental in shaping Michael Jordan’s illustrious career in basketball and beyond.

The North Carolina Parole Commission’s deliberations are expected to last at least a month, a spokesman for the state’s Department of Adult Correction confirmed in the New York Post report.