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The Judge's Plea: 5 Shocking New Developments In The James R. Jordan Sr. Murder Case

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The tragic and shocking murder of James R. Jordan Sr. in July 1993 remains one of the most defining and painful chapters in the life of his son, basketball icon Michael Jordan, and a source of enduring fascination for the public. More than three decades later, the case is far from closed, with new and controversial developments continually emerging, keeping the details of the North Carolina highway slaying in the news as recently as late December 2025.

The narrative of the man who instilled the work ethic and competitive fire in the greatest basketball player of all time is intertwined with the mystery and legal complexities of his death. From the initial armed robbery and the discovery of his car to the recent, highly-publicized petition for the release of one of the convicted killers, Daniel Green, the James Jordan Sr. case continues to raise questions about justice, evidence, and the profound impact on a global superstar's career.

The Man Behind the Legend: James R. Jordan Sr.'s Complete Biography

James Raymond Jordan Sr. was much more than simply "Michael Jordan's father." He was the patriarch who fostered a culture of excellence and a deep bond within his family. His presence—often seen at Chicago Bulls games wearing Michael's iconic gear—was a symbol of unwavering support and a grounding force for the global superstar.

  • Full Name: James Raymond Jordan Sr.
  • Date of Birth: July 31, 1936
  • Place of Birth: Wallace, North Carolina, United States
  • Spouse: Deloris Jordan (née Peoples)
  • Children: James Jr. ("Ronnie"), Deloris, Larry, Michael, and Roslyn ("Rosie")
  • Occupation: Mechanic and Supervisor at General Electric (GE)
  • Role in Michael Jordan's Life: He was a guiding force who offered unwavering support and instilled values of hard work and perseverance, often credited with helping Michael develop his competitive nature.
  • Date of Death: July 23, 1993 (Eight days before his 57th birthday)
  • Place of Death: Lumberton, Robeson County, North Carolina
  • Burial Site: Teachey, Duplin County, North Carolina

The Shocking 1993 Murder That Shook the Sports World

The events of July 1993 sent shockwaves across the globe, contributing significantly to Michael Jordan's unexpected first retirement. James Jordan was driving his distinctive Lexus SC400, a gift from his son, on a North Carolina highway (likely near Lumberton) when he pulled over to rest.

He was shot and killed during an armed robbery attempt while sleeping in his car. The assailants, Daniel Green and Larry Demery, stole the vehicle and several personal items, including Michael Jordan's NBA championship ring.

The body was discovered in a swamp in McColl, South Carolina, 11 days later, initially identified as a "John Doe." It was only after the Lexus was found stripped and the license plate traced that the body was positively identified as James R. Jordan Sr., confirming the worst fears of the Jordan family and the Chicago Bulls organization.

The Controversial Trial and the Judge's Plea for Release

The investigation quickly led to the arrest of two local teenagers, Daniel Green and Larry Demery. Both were convicted of the murder and robbery in 1996. Larry Demery pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and testified against Green, claiming Green was the shooter. Green, however, has consistently maintained his innocence regarding the murder, admitting only to helping dispose of the body and participating in the robbery afterward.

A Controversial Push for Clemency

The most recent and significant update in the case centers on Daniel Green. In a highly unusual move, the North Carolina judge who presided over the original 1996 murder trial filed a petition to the state parole board asking for Green's release.

  • The Judge's Identity: The petition was filed by the former presiding judge (name not consistently provided in recent snippets but clearly identified as the trial judge).
  • The Argument for Release: The judge's request, filed years after the trial, suggests a reevaluation of the evidence. Green’s defense has long argued there was a lack of physical evidence directly linking him to the shooting and that key evidence, including a bloody t-shirt, was mishandled or destroyed by investigators, raising questions of "reasonable doubt."
  • Demery's Release: The co-conspirator, Larry Demery, was granted parole in 2020 and is currently scheduled for release in 2023, though his release date has been subject to review and potential delay. This disparity in sentencing and parole has fueled the argument for Green's clemency.
  • The 'Follow The Truth' Podcast: The case has seen renewed public interest and scrutiny, partially driven by true-crime investigations and podcasts that delve into the alleged mishandling of the initial investigation and trial proceedings.

A Lasting Legacy: How James Jordan Shaped Michael Jordan's Career

The loss of James Jordan had an immediate and profound impact on Michael Jordan’s professional life. Just months after his father's death, Michael Jordan—at the peak of his career and having just secured his first "three-peat" with the Chicago Bulls—shocked the world by announcing his retirement from the NBA.

Michael often cited his father's dream for him to play baseball as a major motivation for his brief, albeit memorable, stint in Minor League Baseball with the Birmingham Barons, a White Sox affiliate. This period was a direct tribute to his father's love for the sport and a way for Michael to cope with his grief.

The bond between father and son is immortalized in Michael Jordan's continued tributes. Michael famously began wearing his father’s college fraternity pin on his suit lapel. Furthermore, the way Michael Jordan would stick out his tongue while playing—a habit often seen in his most intense moments—was a direct imitation of his father, James Sr., who would do the same while concentrating on his work as a mechanic.

James Jordan's legacy is not just the memory of a loving father, but a foundational element of the 'Michael Jordan Superpower.' The values of perseverance, humility, and dedication that James Jordan instilled remain a critical part of the narrative of the greatest basketball player of all time, ensuring that his influence transcends the tragedy of his death.

michael jordan father
michael jordan father

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