New details have emerged following the formal arraignment of 16-year-old Jordan Cole Weems, who appeared in the Logan County Courthouse on Friday morning. Weems faces three felony charges, including first-degree murder, in connection with the death of his adopted mother, 49-year-old Spring Weems.
Jordan Cole Weems appeared before Special Judge Diane Vaughan in a hearing that lasted eight minutes. Wearing a gray sweatshirt and black sweatpants, Weems was heavily shackled at his wrists, waist, and ankles. Throughout the proceedings, he remained mostly silent, keeping his head down as the state briefly detailed the harrowing allegations against him.
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On Wednesday, the Logan County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of two juveniles fighting in the 9000 block of Treviso Trail. A neighbor, who had called the authorities, informed deputies that one of the boys claimed his brother had killed their mother.
Upon arriving at the scene, deputies discovered the body of 49-year-old Spring Weems inside a trash cart near the home.
Family members later told investigators they had grown concerned after not seeing Spring for two days. Although her car was in the driveway, her bedroom door was locked, and she was not answering her phone. Jordan Weems reportedly told relatives that his mother had left a note stating she was away helping a family member.
During the arraignment, Logan County Assistant District Attorney Matthew Adams alleged that the killing was planned. According to court documents, Jordan Weems admitted to waiting through the night of January 27 with the intent to kill his mother. He retrieved a hammer from the garage and positioned himself in the hallway.
When Spring Weems walked around the corner, Jordan allegedly struck her in the head with the hammer. He reportedly admitted to continuing the attack with the hammer and his fists until she stopped moving.
Adams stated the victim was struck more than a dozen times. Afterward, Jordan allegedly cleaned the area, placed her body in a trash cart, and moved it to the curb.
Witnesses also came forward stating that Jordan had expressed a desire to kill his mother in the days leading up to the incident.
Court documents reveal that Jordan recently been in trouble with law enforcement.
As a form of discipline, Spring Weems had reportedly implemented a “prison-style” regimen, including making the boys wear orange jumpsuits, removing bedding and extra clothing from their rooms, serving them repetitive meals, such as beans, to simulate inmate life, and requiring them to write letters of apology to the police.
Court records also noted that Jordan had been committed to psychiatric hospitals as recently as the last few weeks.
Jordan Weems was charged with first-degree murder, desecration of a human corpse, and unauthorized removal of a dead body.
The murder charge carries potential penalties of life in prison, life without the possibility of parole, or the death penalty.
Judge Vaughan upheld the state’s request to deny bond.
Weems was returned to the Canadian County Juvenile Center, where he is being held.
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