Michael Jordan's dad's neighbor once joked about him faking his death & hiding in $600,000 mansion
The circumstances surrounding Michael Jordan's father, James Jordan's mysterious death in 1993, led to speculation that he was hiding in his $600,000 mansion.
James was reportedly shot as he pulled over to nap in his car in Robertson County. Earlier reports said James had gone missing while driving back home.
Wild allegations were made by the opposing counsel during the hearing of the case a year later. One of them suggested that James was faking his death to escape gambling debts, financial problems and a possible paternity suit.
Several witnesses also claimed they saw James after the police believed he was dead. A convenience store owner by the name of Tracy Thompson went as far as to claim that everyone he knew thought James was still alive.
Here's what he said (h/t Greensboro):
"Everybody I know thinks he is still alive."
James' neighbor at the time, Jimmy Duncan, even claimed that the lights in Jordan's house often flickered at night.
"We joke about it and say that when real estate agents show the house, they call Jordan and give him time to hide," Duncan said.
However, James Jordan's friends and family shot down the allegations. They also were of the opinion that James and Michael Jordan's gambling problems had nothing to do with his sudden demise.
Here's what the prosecutor District Attorney J. Richard Townsend said:
"When the smoke clears in this case, the only allegations that will prove to be true are the allegations by the state that these two defendants murdered and robbed Mr. Jordan."
The final verdict in Michael Jordan's father, James Jordan's death
The two accused, Larry Demery and Daniel Green, were convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. Demery testified that he and Green intended to go to a Motel but were enticed by James Jordan's red Lexus on their way. The former then told the court that Green shot James in the chest. Demery was 17, while Green was 18 when they committed the crime.
Daniel Green has denied Larry Demery's claims several times. Both have been denied parole as well over the last few years. Demery eventually got parole in 2020. He was scheduled to be released in August 2023, but the date has been pushed back by 12 months. His release agreement was then terminated.
Meanwhile, Daniel Green's parole will be reviewed in 2024 after multiple denied reviews.
Also read: “I would've been dead years ago" - Daniel Green once claimed that Michael Jordan could have gotten him killed as revenge for his father's murder