In a surprising turn of events, the judge who oversaw the trial for Michael Jordan and his father’s murder case in 1996 has asked for the release of his convicted killer. Judge Gregory Weeks petitioned the North Carolina state parole board on Tuesday to free the man sentenced to life over the death of James Jordan, the father of the six-time NBA champion.
ABC’s Miles Cohen reported that the petition came after Weeks said that the blood-like residue found in the car where Jordan’s father was murdered might not have been of Daniel Green, the man accused of shooting Mr. Jordan on July 23, 1993, eight days short of what would have been his 57th birthday. The judge added that the analyst never reported on the other forensic tests that came back negative or inconclusive for blood. That discovered evidence that could have changed the course of the trial, according to Weeks, has haunted him for nearly three decades.
The omission of the evidence backed the testimony of Larry Demery, Green’s accomplice, who served as the prosecution’s main witness, who claimed that it was Green who pulled the trigger, killing Jordan’s father.
Green allegedly approached the car parked at Highway 74, opened fire at Mr. Jordan who was sleeping inside the car, and stole the vehicle. He and Demery were sentenced to life imprisonment in 1996.
Parole officials should deliberate for an undisclosed amount of time before ultimately reaching a decision on Green’s status. Judge Weeks said he would wait for the commission’s decision before making any more comments.
Michael Jordan’s father’s convicted killer reacts to the case’s shocking developments
Amid the unexpected developments to the case, Michael Jordan and his father’s convicted murderer Daniel Green had the opportunity to speak with ABC News about his potential release. He said judge Gregory Weeks’ petition for his release was a significant turn in the case.
“It speaks volumes about this case, and I’m overwhelmingly grateful,” Green told ABC News.
He also sent a letter to the North Carolina state parole commission, expressing his remorse for his actions that caused irreparable damage to Michael Jordan’s family.
Criminal justice advocates, including Rev. Thomas Jones, have voiced their support for Green’s release.
“When I heard the judge speak on his behalf, I was weeping,” Jones said. “I was flabbergasted.”
The verdict to free Green would have to be deliberated on for at least a month before a final decision is reached. Michael Jordan is yet to speak up about these recent developments.
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