Sophia Michaels
In a surprising turn of events, Judge Gregory Weeks, the man responsible for the sentencing of Daniel Green in the murder of Michael Jordan’s father, has expressed his regret. Initially, Judge Weeks had sentenced Green and accomplice Larry Demery in 1996, but he recently reached out to the state’s parole board to suggest that his ruling may have been incorrect.
The forensic evidence that significantly contributed to the conviction was deemed less reliable than what the trial suggested. Weeks reported to the parole commission that doubts about his ruling have lingered since the trial concluded.
The controversy stems from the original narrative, which largely relied on Demery’s testimony. He had agreed to plead guilty to first-degree murder in exchange for testifying against Green to avoid the death penalty.
Different Stories about the Murder
In 1993, James Jordan, Michael Jordan’s father, was found dead after reportedly being shot while resting in his car outside a hotel. The plan for Green and Demery was allegedly to rob the hotel, but instead, they targeted Jordan. According to Demery’s account, after attempting to restrain him, Green shot Jordan, only realizing later who they had attacked.
They subsequently took Jordan’s car and discarded his body in a swamp. The condition of the body made identification difficult and was only confirmed through dental records. However, Green tells a contrasting story, claiming he was unaware of the murder until Demery involved him post-incident.
A New Possibility for Justice
The blood evidence associated with the case has come under scrutiny, as analysts were unable to confirm that blood found in Jordan’s car belonged to him or match any gunshot patterns with his clothing. Moreover, his body was cremated soon after discovery, raising suspicions among Green’s supporters. Judge Weeks asserted that the blood analyst’s failure to fully disclose her findings during the trial could have influenced his sentencing decision.
Demery’s parole was initially granted but later revoked, and he is now waiting for another hearing. Meanwhile, Green’s potential release hinges on Judge Weeks’ appeal, with the state parole board’s response remaining uncertain.
Daniel Green has consistently asserted his innocence while recognizing the gravity of his past mistakes. He expressed his remorse in a letter, acknowledging the pain his actions caused the Jordan family. Regarding Weeks’ intervention, he conveyed gratitude, stating, “It speaks volumes about this case, and I’m overwhelmingly grateful.”
