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[Saba Sports News] In a surprising turn in the murder case of James Jordan, father of NBA legend Michael Jordan, retired Judge Gregory Weeks has petitioned North Carolina’s parole board for the release of Daniel Green, the man convicted in 1993 for Jordan’s death, TMZ reports. Weeks, who presided over the trial nearly three decades ago, has raised concerns about the conviction’s validity, citing critical evidence that may have been overlooked.
In his affidavit, Weeks noted that forensic analysis during the trial omitted significant findings—particularly a blood-like substance found in the vehicle where James Jordan was killed, which might not have been his. This revelation questions the reliability of the prosecution’s case, which leaned heavily on testimony from Green’s co-defendant, Larry Demery, who alleged that Green shot Jordan as he slept in his car along Highway 74. This testimony led to Green’s conviction and life sentence.
James Jordan’s murder on July 23, 1993, shocked the nation, especially as Michael Jordan was at the peak of his career. Green, then 18, was convicted in a trial marked by emotional testimonies and intense media attention. Now, new developments are prompting a reexamination of the case’s evidence and proceedings.
Following Weeks’ statement, Green’s advocates shared the news with him in prison. Green expressed gratitude, saying, “The fact that the judge who presided over my trial asked that I be paroled is significant. It speaks volumes about this case.” He remains incarcerated at Southern Correctional Institution, with ongoing discussions about justice and potential wrongful convictions.
The parole board is now reviewing Weeks’ petition and the evidence surrounding Green’s conviction. Their decision may take time, but Weeks’ request has already reshaped the narrative around James Jordan’s murder. Michael Jordan has yet to comment, leaving many to speculate on the impact this might have on him and his family.
As the parole board assesses the case, it underscores the complexities of the justice system and the need for thorough investigations. The possibility that an innocent man has been behind bars for nearly 30 years highlights the importance of transparency in legal proceedings, as the quest for justice continues with new evidence and perspectives on a case once thought resolved.