Trigger Warning: The following text contains discussion of kidnapping, murder, violence and sensitive topics that may be distressing or triggering to some
In 1993, NBA legend Michael Jordan experienced both a major career high and a profound personal tragedy. He won the NBA Finals MVP title for the third consecutive year, setting a first in league history.
However, the year was also marked by the tragic shooting death of his father, James Raymond Jordan Sr., in July 1993 in North Carolina.
Dental records and fingerprints were used to identify his body.
The shocking murder drew international coverage, and the subsequent trial became a national media focus.
Two teenagers were implicated in the crime, leaving a host of unanswered questions.
What happened to old James Jordan?
The Chicago Tribune reported that in the early morning of July 23, 1993, James was driving his red Lexus home from a friend’s funeral when he decided to take a nap on the side of the road.
The incident happened around 2 a.m. on a highway in Lumberton, North Carolina, when Daniel Andre Green and Larry Martin Demery, both 18, ) found the target there.
As they later admitted, their original goal was just to rob James’ car. However, they shot him dead.
According to the teens, they planned to restrain James and leave him on the side of the road with the intention of stealing his car, gifts from his son Michael and other property.
But their plans took a fatal turn when Green shot the 56-year-old directly in the chest, killing him.
When Robertson County Sheriff Hubert Stone shared the details of the arrest of the teens in August 1993, he noted in the Washington Post, “When James woke up, the man with the gun panicked and opened fire. kill him.”
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How the fate of Michael Jordan’s father was discovered
At this stage, despite Michael’s international fame, he still often attended games in the company of his father.
However, Green and Demery were unaware of this popularity and unknowingly murdered the star’s father.
After fleeing the crime scene, they more thoroughly examined the stolen items, which included James’ wallet and driver’s license. That’s when they discovered the victim’s identity.
On August 3, a fisherman named Hal Locklear discovered James’ decomposed body in Gum Swamp, a swampy wetland in South Carolina that is popular for catfish fishing. And famous. It was not until August 13 that the remains were identified as those of James.
Locklear recounted his gruesome discovery to the Los Angeles Times, saying: “I was walking along the river bank when I stumbled upon the body. I wandered for about half an hour before I found anything.”
He added, “The area is very dense and cannot be seen from the bridge. It would probably take a fisherman to find it. There is a popular swimming hole not far from where I found the body.”
Michael Jordan responds to father’s death
Michael Jordan faced his grief and used the comfort of basketball to remember his father.
Michael Jordan had a deep bond with his father, an avid sports fan who played a key role in shaping Michael’s career.
Michael Jordan often cried during interviews as he expressed the pain of losing his father.
In his documentary series The Last Dance, Michael Jordan became sentimental when discussing his father’s death, saying: “He was my anchor. We had a very close relationship and his advice was great for me. Changeless.”
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