Richard Jordan’s impending execution in Mississippi raises the question of whether his actions were influenced by post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from his combat experiences in the Vietnam War, or if he is simply a cold-hearted murderer. Six months short of the 50th anniversary of the kidnapping and murder of 35-year-old Edwina Marter, a mother of two, Jordan’s plea for clemency argues that his time in Vietnam as a helicopter gunner across three combat tours left him deeply scarred. Despite being the oldest inmate on death row in Mississippi at 79, he has been a mentor to younger prisoners, assisted in managing violent incidents, and collaborated with banks to enhance security measures.
During Jordan’s trial in 1976, prosecutors emphasized his demeanor in demanding a ransom for Marter’s return even after he had fatally shot her. The District Attorney at the time portrayed Jordan as calculating and devoid of remorse, acting as judge, jury, and executioner. As his execution date approaches, there are questions about whether Governor Tate Reeves will grant Jordan’s request for a meeting to plead his case.
The tragic events unfolded on January 12, 1976, when Jordan abducted Edwina Marter from her home in Mississippi City while her son was asleep. Jordan targeted the Marters for ransom due to Charles Marter’s executive position at Gulf National Bank. He took Edwina to a remote area in the DeSoto National Forest, where he fatally shot her while she knelt. Jordan claimed the shot was intended as a warning when she attempted to flee, a defense dismissed by prosecutors. After the murder, Jordan demanded $25,000 from Charles Marter, leading to a coordinated law enforcement effort to secure the ransom drop.
As the case gains renewed attention, it sheds light on the brutal criminal act and the complex factors surrounding Jordan’s actions, prompting reflection on justice and mercy in the face of a heinous crime.
Richard Jordan has had a tumultuous legal journey, facing multiple death sentences that were later vacated and resentenced. The high-profile case captured local attention with dramatic courtroom scenes and contrasting statements from the prosecution and defense. Despite the intense legal battles, crucial information about Jordan’s PTSD from his time in the Vietnam War as a door gunner was not presented to the jury. This omission raises questions about the fairness of his death sentence, as his experiences at war and subsequent struggles with mental health were not fully considered in the legal proceedings. Jordan’s clemency petition highlights the importance of this information and seeks a meeting with Governor Tate Reeves to reconsider his case.
In response to inquiries for comments regarding this story, the state has backed Jordan’s death sentence and upcoming execution, dismissing his claims as “baseless.” The state detailed how Jordan had kidnapped a young mother to extort money from her husband, leading to his conviction of capital murder and subsequent death sentence almost thirty years ago. Jordan’s legal team has been presenting various arguments in a bid to halt the execution, such as questioning the drugs used in lethal injections.
The son of the victim, Eric Marter, now 59 years old, expressed his family’s disbelief in Jordan’s assertions, including the suggestion of accidental shooting and claims of PTSD. Eric remarked that Jordan seemed to be playing the military card to avoid his fate, emphasizing the calculated nature of the crime. He reminisced about his mother, Edwina, and shared stories of her vibrant spirit and love for fun, while lamenting the loss of her presence in their lives and those of her grandchildren.
Despite enduring lengthy legal battles, the Marter family is eager for closure as Jordan is scheduled for execution by lethal injection on June 25 at the Mississippi State Penitentiary. If carried out, this execution will mark the 25th in the U.S. this year. Notably, combat veterans have been executed previously, with the most recent being in May. Amanda Lee Myers, a senior crime reporter for USA TODAY, covered this story.
