Richard Gerald Jordan, a man who spent nearly 50 years on death row in Mississippi, was executed on Wednesday. The 79-year-old Vietnam War veteran was put to death by lethal injection at 6:16 p.m. local time. He was convicted of kidnapping and murdering Edwina Marter, a stay-at-home mother, in a brutal ransom scheme.
Jordan’s crime took place in 1976 when he abducted Marter, the wife of a banker, and demanded a $25,000 ransom for her return. Tragically, he fatally shot her in a forest before making the ransom call. The execution marks a significant moment as Jordan was the longest-serving inmate on death row in Mississippi.
During his final moments, Jordan expressed gratitude for the humane manner of his execution and apologized to Marter’s family. He also thanked his wife, Marsha, and his lawyer, Krissy Nobile, who were both present and visibly emotional during the process. His last words were a hopeful message to his loved ones, stating, "I will see you on the other side, all of you."
Jordan’s case had drawn attention over the years. He had challenged Mississippi’s execution methods, claiming they were inhumane. His legal team argued that his experiences in Vietnam and the post-traumatic stress disorder he suffered should have been considered during his trial, but these arguments were ultimately dismissed by the courts.
The execution was the third in Mississippi in the last decade, with the previous one occurring in December 2022. Jordan’s case has sparked discussions about the death penalty and the treatment of veterans within the justice system. Eric Marter, the son of the victim, stated that he believed justice was served and that Jordan’s execution was long overdue. He emphasized that Jordan’s actions were driven by greed, not trauma.
As the debate around capital punishment continues, Jordan’s execution serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of violent crimes on victims’ families and the complex issues surrounding justice and rehabilitation for those who have served in the military.