News Summary
Richard Gerald Jordan, the longest-serving inmate on Mississippi’s death row, was executed at the state penitentiary. Serving nearly five decades for the kidnapping and murder of Edwina Marter, Jordan’s case has stirred extensive debate on capital punishment in the U.S. His execution, carried out by lethal injection, provoked protests and discussions surrounding the ethics and efficacy of the death penalty. While some family members sought closure, others questioned the delay in justice. Jordan’s story signifies the complexities of justice, rehabilitation, and societal response to crime and punishment.
Richard Gerald Jordan Executed After Nearly Five Decades on Death Row
In a somber event that echoes many stories of justice and retribution, Richard Gerald Jordan was executed on June 25, 2025, at the Mississippi State Penitentiary in Parchman. The 79-year-old had the dubious distinction of being the longest-serving inmate on death row in Mississippi, having been sentenced back in 1976 for a horrific crime that had shaken the community.
A Gruesome Crime
Jordan was convicted for the kidnapping and murder of Edwina Marter, the wife of a bank loan officer, in a violent ransom scheme. The circumstances surrounding her tragic death were harrowing and deeply impacted the families involved. Edwina Marter’s family has gone through years of grief, and while her husband and children chose not to attend the execution, a son expressed that the punishment should have come “a long time ago.”
From Trials to Execution
In the decades since his conviction, Jordan’s case underwent four trials and countless appeals, sparking debates about the death penalty in the U.S. Jordan’s legal team argued that he was not provided with proper mental health assistance during his trial, and they highlighted the role of his post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from his service in the Vietnam War as a potential factor in his actions. However, despite these arguments, the U.S. Supreme Court denied his final appeals without comment, including a petition for clemency from Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves.
His Final Moments
Jordan’s execution was carried out by lethal injection, starting at 6 p.m., with him being declared dead just 16 minutes later. In a display of poignancy, he made a final statement thanking the officials for what he referred to as a “humane” execution and conveying his apologies to the victim’s family. His last words, reflecting a kind of resignation, were that he would see everyone “on the other side.”
Family and Friends at His Side
In his final moments, Jordan was accompanied by his wife, Marsha Jordan, his lawyer, Krissy Nobile, and a spiritual adviser. This tableau was a stark reminder of the personal sides of such a high-stakes situation, showcasing the emotional weight that encircles both the convicted and their loved ones.
A Last Meal Request
Jordan’s final meal request included the slightly nostalgic fare of chicken tenders, fries, and strawberry ice cream paired with a root beer float—simple comfort foods that perhaps echoed a simpler time before his life spiraled into complexity and darkness.
Public Response
As Jordan faced his final judgment, the outside world reacted as well. There were 11 protests against the execution outside the prison, underscoring the divisive nature of capital punishment in America. Many advocates rallied for reconsideration of Mississippi’s execution protocols and the overall ethics of the death penalty.
The Bigger Picture
Jordan’s execution was the third carried out in Mississippi in the last decade, but notably the first in three years, following the execution of Thomas Loden in December 2022. Experts have cited an alarming trend, indicating that executions in the U.S. have reached their highest levels since 2015. Several states conducted executions in the same month, revealing a possible resurgence in capital punishment practices across the nation.
The Legacy of Death Row
As of early 2025, Jordan was one of 22 individuals sentenced in the 1970s still on death row, offering a chilling insight into the long-standing nature of many capital cases. While his execution brings closure to some, it also raises haunting questions about justice, rehabilitation, and the nature of punishment itself.
The saga of Richard Gerald Jordan will likely linger in discussions about the death penalty and the ethical ramifications of capital punishment in America.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- ABC News
- Wikipedia: Death Penalty in the United States
- Clarion Ledger
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Death Penalty
- CBS News
