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[Saba Sports News] Gregory Weeks, the judge from the 1996 trial of Michael Jordan’s father’s murder, is petitioning North Carolina’s Parole Commission to release Daniel Green, the convicted killer, after sentencing him to life in prison 28 years ago.
Weeks argued that a forensic analyst failed to disclose that the blood found on Jordan’s car dashboard may not have been his, a key detail in the trial. He primarily based his 1996 ruling on the testimony of co-defendant Larry Demery.
Weeks admitted that this omission has haunted him for nearly 30 years. The Parole Commission is set to announce its decision in a month.
Green, who was informed of the petition, told ABC News that Judge Weeks’ actions are vindicating, expressing hope for his release after 28 years. “The fact that the judge who presided over my trial asked that I be paroled speaks volumes about this case. I’m overwhelmingly grateful.”
Green shared his side of the story, claiming that his childhood friend, Demery, had completed a drug deal, then asked for help in disposing of James Jordan’s body. Green maintains he had no involvement in the murder itself.
After dumping the body, authorities found James Jordan two weeks later, across state lines in South Carolina, 60 miles from where his car was found in North Carolina.
In a letter to the Parole Commission, Green expressed remorse for his actions and the pain they caused the Jordan family. “Every day I live with the regret and suffering caused by my youthful decisions. I deeply regret the harm my actions inflicted on the Jordan family.”
Michael Jordan was deeply affected by his father’s 1993 death, leading him to retire from basketball temporarily and pursue baseball. When he returned to the NBA in 1995, Jordan emotionally dedicated the Bulls’ 1996 championship, won on Father’s Day, to his father. Despite the tragedy, James Jordan would surely be proud of his son’s incredible achievements.