Justice After 50 Years: Death Row Inmates Final Words Are Chilling

On June 25, Mississippi carried out the execution of Richard Gerald Jordan, a 79-year-old Vietnam veteran who had spent nearly five decades on death row for the 1976 kidnapping and murder of Edwina Marter. Jordan was the longest-serving inmate in the state’s history to receive capital punishment.

The Crime That Shook a Community

In January 1976, Jordan placed a ransom call before kidnapping Marter from her Gulfport home. He shot her in a forest and demanded $25,000 from her husband. Her body was found hours later; her two young sons were left without their mother, a trauma that extended through their lives.

Legal Battles and Mental Health Claims

Jordan’s case underwent four trials over the years, with appeals challenging legal procedure and citing his PTSD from Vietnam. While his defense argued he was denied due process and mental health evaluation, courts—including the U.S. Supreme Court—ultimately rejected clemency. He also sued against Mississippi’s three-drug lethal injection method, calling it inhumane, without success.

Final Moments and Last Words

Jordan requested a final meal of chicken tenders, fries, strawberry ice cream, and a root beer float. As the lethal injection commenced at 6 p.m., he lay motionless—declared dead by 6:16 p.m.—after expressing gratitude and remorse.

In his final statement, he said:

“First I would like to thank everyone for a humane way of doing this. I want to apologize to the victim’s family… I will see you on the other side, all of you.”

Witnesses included his wife Marsha, attorney Krissy Nobile, and a spiritual adviser.

Victim’s Family Responds

Edwina Marter’s family—represented by nephew Keith De Gruy—delivered a powerful statement read aloud before the execution. They emphasized that nothing could reverse the tragedy of losing a beloved mother and wife:

“Nothing will ever change what Jordan took from us 49 years ago… This was thought out, planned out… Justice was served today.”

Mississippi/Less Capital Punishment Hotspot

Mississippi has carried out three executions in the past decade, in contrast to states like Florida or Texas. Jordan’s case marks a rare use of capital punishment, drawing attention to its declining prevalence.

Jordan’s nearly 50-year wait for execution underscores ongoing debate over capital punishment, especially for elderly inmates with mental health or PTSD claims. His failed appeals brought scrutiny to procedural fairness and humane execution protocols.

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