The Mississippi State Penitentiary in Parchman saw one of its most somber moments Wednesday as Richard Gerald Jordan, the state's longest-serving death row inmate, was put to death. At age 79, Jordan’s case has stirred emotional and legal controversy that spans nearly half a century.

According to the Daily Mail, Jordan was executed by lethal injection for the 1976 kidnapping and murder of Edwina Marter, a bank loan officer’s wife. His execution marks only the third in Mississippi in the past ten years.

Jordan’s death closed the final chapter of a decades-long legal saga involving four trials, appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court, and multiple arguments around mental illness, veterans' trauma, and the ethics of capital punishment.

Final Words And Last Moments

The execution began at 6 p.m., and Jordan was pronounced dead at 6:16 p.m., according to prison officials. Witnesses described him taking several deep breaths before going still on the gurney.

In his final moments, Jordan addressed those gathered to witness his death. “First I would like to thank everyone for a humane way of doing this. I want to apologize to the victim’s family,” he said. He also expressed gratitude to his wife and lawyers, concluding with, “I will see you on the other side, all of you.”

Jordan’s wife, Marsha Jordan, attorney Krissy Nobile, and spiritual adviser Rev. Tim Murphy witnessed the execution. Nobile and Marsha Jordan were seen dabbing their eyes several times as the procedure unfolded.

A Murder That Shook Mississippi

In January 1976, Jordan, then a recently returned Vietnam War veteran, called Gulf National Bank asking for a loan officer. When told Charles Marter was available, Jordan hung up and used a phone book to find the Marters’ address.

According to Mississippi Supreme Court records, Jordan abducted Edwina Marter and took her to a wooded area where he fatally shot her. He then called her husband, falsely claimed she was safe, and demanded a $25,000 ransom.

Edwina’s son, Eric Marter, who was 11 at the time of the murder, said before the execution that some family members would attend. “It should have happened a long time ago,” he remarked. “I’m not really interested in giving him the benefit of the doubt.”

Legal Fights And Mental Health Claims

Jordan’s defense team argued for years that his mental state—shaped by intense wartime experiences—was never properly presented during his trial. Attorney Krissy Nobile claimed he was denied the constitutional right to an independent mental health expert. “Because of that, his jury never got to hear about his Vietnam experiences,” Nobile said. Jordan served three consecutive tours in Vietnam and reportedly suffered from severe post-traumatic stress disorder.

A recent clemency petition echoed these concerns. Franklin Rosenblatt, president of the National Institute of Military Justice, argued that modern understanding of PTSD should have influenced Jordan’s sentencing. “We just know so much more... about the effect of war trauma on the brain and how that affects ongoing behaviors,” Rosenblatt wrote.

Victim’s Family Unmoved By Appeals

Despite the arguments regarding Jordan’s mental health, the Marter family remained unconvinced. Eric Marter said, “I know what he did. He wanted money, and he couldn’t take her with him. And he—so he did what he did.” Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves denied a clemency petition submitted on Jordan’s behalf. On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court also declined to hear Jordan’s final appeal, effectively ending all remaining legal avenues.

Jordan was among 22 inmates across the U.S. who were sentenced to death in the 1970s and remained on death row as of early 2025. His execution comes amid a rise in executions nationwide, with 2025 on pace to be the most active year since 2015.

Why This Story Matters

This case brings closure to a family that’s waited nearly 50 years for justice, while also reopening tough questions about the fairness and consistency of capital punishment in America. It highlights the ongoing need to balance justice for victims with due process for the accused. It also sheds light on how societal understanding of mental health and trauma has evolved.

Conclusion

Richard Gerald Jordan, Mississippi’s longest-serving death row inmate, was executed Wednesday after nearly five decades in prison for the 1976 kidnapping and murder of Edwina Marter. The case spanned numerous trials and appeals, became a focal point for mental health advocacy, and tested the state’s execution procedures. Though his final words expressed remorse, the Marter family emphasized the importance of accountability. Jordan’s execution was the third in Mississippi over the past decade, and it occurred during what is shaping up to be the busiest year for capital punishment since 2015. The tragedy continues to echo through the conversations about justice, trauma, and the long journey toward closure.