In 1996, Daniel Green was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of James Jordan, father of basketball legend Michael Jordan. James Jordan was killed during a robbery in July 1993 while he was sleeping in his car along a North Carolina highway. Green, along with his co-defendant Larry Demery, was convicted of the crime, although Green has consistently maintained that he did not kill Jordan but helped dispose of the body.
Recently, the retired judge who presided over the case, Gregory Weeks, has petitioned the North Carolina Parole Commission to release Daniel Green. Judge Weeks believes that Green should be released, but details about the petition remain confidential due to the state’s rules on parole commission hearings, which are not open to the public. Neither Weeks nor Michael Jordan has commented on the matter.
Judge Petitions for Release of Daniel Green, Convicted in 1993 Murder of Michael Jordan’s Father
At the time of the murder, both Green and Demery were 18 years old. Demery testified against Green, claiming that Green was the one who shot James Jordan. In return for his testimony, Demery also pleaded guilty to charges of first-degree murder, armed robbery, and conspiracy to commit robbery, receiving a life sentence along with Green.
James Jordan’s death was a shocking event, occurring during a time when Michael Jordan was at the height of his career, having led the Chicago Bulls to three consecutive NBA championships. The body of James Jordan was discovered days after the murder in a swamp in South Carolina and was identified through dental records.
Green continues to claim his innocence regarding the actual killing, admitting only to his involvement in covering up the crime. Judge Weeks’ petition for Green’s release adds another layer of complexity to a case that has garnered significant public attention due to its ties to Michael Jordan.
