For fans of Michael Jordan, the tragic murder of his father, James R. Jordan Sr., in 1993 remains a somber chapter. While the bare facts of the case are known, the full story, riddled with unanswered questions and shrouded in rural mystery, is far more complex than many realize. The central question, “why was Michael Jordan’s dad sleeping in his car?”, is just the tip of the iceberg in a case that involves wrongful conviction claims, corrupt law enforcement, and conflicting testimonies.
Daniel Green and Larry Demery, the two men arrested for the murder of James Jordan, pictured after their arrest by Robeson County deputies.
James Jordan’s death ignited a media frenzy, but the courtroom drama unfolded without cameras, leaving much of the public in the dark about the nuances of the investigation. This article delves into the lesser-known aspects of the case, exploring the reasons behind James Jordan’s fateful decision to sleep in his car and the web of uncertainties surrounding his murder.
The Discovery and Identification of James Jordan
The grim discovery of James Jordan began with an unidentified body found in a South Carolina swamp in August 1993. A fisherman stumbled upon the remains, which were badly decomposed and bore a gunshot wound. Lacking identification and any matching missing person reports, authorities performed an autopsy, preserving the jaw and hands for future identification. Tragically, the body was cremated before its true identity was known.
Days later, a stripped and vandalized Lexus sports car was found abandoned in the woods of Fayetteville, North Carolina, over sixty miles from the swamp. This discovery sent shockwaves as the vehicle registration revealed it belonged to Michael Jordan, purchased in Chicago. The connection was quickly made, and the John Doe from the South Carolina swamp was identified as James R. Jordan Sr., Michael Jordan’s father. Dental records, alongside fingerprints already on file, confirmed his identity.
The Lexus car belonging to Michael Jordan, found vandalized and stripped in the woods, which was a key piece of evidence in identifying James Jordan.
Why Was James Jordan Sleeping in His Car?
The question of why James Jordan was sleeping in his car on that fateful night is central to understanding the circumstances of his murder. While the article doesn’t explicitly state the definitive reason, it implies a likely scenario. James Jordan was traveling from Wilmington, North Carolina, back to Charlotte after attending a funeral. It’s plausible he decided to pull over and rest during his journey, choosing the perceived safety and comfort of his Lexus. This detail, seemingly mundane, places him in a vulnerable position in Robeson County, a region unfortunately notorious for its high crime rates and corruption.
A photograph of James Jordan with his son Michael Jordan, highlighting the personal tragedy behind the crime.
The Murky Investigation and Conflicting Accounts
The investigation into James Jordan’s murder quickly focused on Larry Demery and Daniel Green, two young men from Robeson County. Demery and Green, who were best friends since elementary school, offered conflicting narratives of the events. Demery, in exchange for a plea deal, testified against Green, claiming that they intended to rob James Jordan as he slept in his car. According to Demery’s testimony, Jordan awoke during the robbery, startling Green, who then fatally shot him.
Green, however, has consistently maintained his innocence regarding the murder itself. His defense hinges on the claim that he arrived on the scene after the killing, assisting Demery only in disposing of the body. He stated he was at a cookout with friends and a girlfriend, Bobbie Jo Murillo, that night, an alibi corroborated by multiple witnesses, though Murillo was never called to testify at his trial.
Key Evidence and Lingering Doubts
Several pieces of evidence were presented at trial, yet many are now subject to scrutiny and raise significant doubts about the conviction of Daniel Green.
- The Gun: A .38-caliber revolver found in Green’s home was presented as the murder weapon. However, ballistics tests were inconclusive, failing to definitively link the gun to the bullet that killed James Jordan.
- Blood Evidence: The prosecution argued that James Jordan was murdered inside his car. However, blood analysis tests from the passenger seat were inconclusive, contradicting the narrative of a shooting inside the vehicle.
- James Jordan’s Shirt: A crucial piece of evidence, James Jordan’s shirt, was presented at trial with a bullet hole in the chest area. Remarkably, the original autopsy report made no mention of such a hole. This discrepancy casts a shadow over the integrity of the evidence.
- Michael Jordan’s Ring and Jewelry: Michael Jordan’s NBA ring and other jewelry belonging to James Jordan were found in Green’s possession, and even appeared in a rap video featuring Green. While incriminating, possession of stolen items doesn’t definitively prove involvement in the murder itself.
A still image from a leaked home video showing Daniel Green wearing jewelry belonging to James Jordan, a point of contention in the trial.
Robeson County: A Backdrop of Corruption and Racism
The location of the murder, Robeson County, North Carolina, adds another layer of complexity to the case. Robeson County has a documented history of systemic racism and law enforcement corruption. In fact, years after the Jordan trial, 22 officers from the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office were charged with corruption. This context raises questions about the integrity of the investigation from its inception.
Furthermore, a phone call made from James Jordan’s car phone on the day of his death to Hubert Larry Deese, son of Robeson County Sheriff Hubert Stone (who oversaw the Jordan murder investigation), was deemed inadmissible at trial. Deese was a convicted drug dealer, and both he and Demery had connections to Crestline Mobile Homes, near where Jordan’s body was found. This connection, along with the Sheriff’s potential conflict of interest, was never fully explored in court.
Larry Demery during his trial for the murder of James Jordan, whose testimony was crucial to the prosecution’s case against Daniel Green.
Recanted Testimony and Lingering Questions of Innocence
Perhaps the most significant development in the case came decades later. Connee Brayboy, a reporter, claimed Larry Demery confessed to her in 1993 that he shot James Jordan, a revelation she kept private until 2015. Even more dramatically, in 2018, Daniel Green’s current attorney, Christine Mumma, visited Larry Demery in prison. According to Mumma, Demery recanted his trial testimony, admitting he lied and was coerced by investigators. He claimed he did not witness Green killing James Jordan.
Despite these revelations and persistent appeals, Daniel Green remains incarcerated, maintaining his innocence since 1993. While Larry Demery was initially granted parole in 2020 (later revoked and delayed), Green continues to fight for a new trial, arguing ineffective counsel and new evidence.
Daniel Green pictured with Bobbie Jo Murillo, his alibi witness who was never called to testify at his trial.
Conclusion: The Unresolved Truth
The question of “why was Michael Jordan’s dad sleeping in his car?” leads to a far deeper and more troubling inquiry: Did justice truly prevail in the case of James Jordan’s murder? The inconsistencies in evidence, conflicting testimonies, the backdrop of corruption, and recanted statements paint a picture of a case far from closed. While Larry Demery and Daniel Green were convicted, the truth of what happened that night in Robeson County remains shrouded in doubt.
For those seeking a more comprehensive understanding of this complex case, the “Follow the Truth” podcast by WRAL and the “Moment of Truth” documentary series offer in-depth explorations, questioning the official narrative and delving into the possibility of a wrongful conviction. These resources encourage listeners and viewers to examine the evidence and decide for themselves whether justice was truly served in the case of James Jordan.
Daniel Green, who has consistently proclaimed his innocence in the murder of James Jordan since his conviction in 1996.
Further Exploration:
- Podcast: Follow the Truth
- Documentary: Moment of Truth (Amazon Freevee & Amazon Prime)
