Jim Gordon Denied Parole

Drummer Jim Gordon, who murdered his mother in June of 1983 after claiming her voice had tormented him for years, was denied parole in an April hearing until at least 2018. Gordon was deemed “a danger to society if released from prison,” after resisting court-ordered medication and counseling.

LA County deputy district attorney Alexis de la Garza said that Gordon still shows symptoms of schizophrenia and is “medically and psychologically non-compliant.”

As an in-demand session drummer in the 60’s and 70’s, Gordon worked with artists like the Beach Boys, John Lennon, the Carpenters, and Carly Simon. He was even offered to tour with Bob Dylan, but turned it down due to his substance abuse problems. He checked himself into hospitals more than a dozen times for treatment during this time, and complained of voices in his head.

“I just snapped,” Gordon admitted to detectives the day after he killed his mother.

“I told him that it was his consciousness speaking to him. He said it was someone else,” said Bobby Whitlock of Derek and the Dominos. “Evidently he never stopped or even lightened up on his drug and alcohol intake. The end result was the destruction of his family.”

It was recommended that Gordon seek substance abuse help. The court will make a final decision on whether or not to deny parole for a five-year period in August.