Mississippi Death Row Inmate Seeks Clemency from Governor
JACKSON, Miss. – Richard Gerald Jordan, who has been on death row longer than any other inmate in Mississippi, is petitioning Governor Tate Reeves for clemency. On Monday, Jordan’s legal team submitted a formal request to commute his death sentence to life in prison without parole.
Jordan’s attorneys emphasized the need for a brief meeting with the governor, which they stated is a customary practice in the state for death-sentenced inmates’ representatives. Accompanying the petition is a video featuring testimonials from Bishop Joseph Kopacz and other advocates highlighting Jordan’s past character, including his service in Vietnam and his upbringing in a devout family.
At 79 years old, Jordan was convicted of capital murder in 1976 for the kidnapping and murder of Edwina Marter, a 35-year-old bank executive. His path through the legal system has seen multiple trials and convictions, often challenged on technical grounds, leading to his latest death sentence in 1998.
Jordan’s attorneys argue that he has been an exemplary inmate, with a clean record while incarcerated. They also contend that as a veteran, his background should be considered for leniency. The petition stresses the trauma often faced by veterans, asserting that such circumstances play a role in their criminal actions.
With an execution date set for June 25, Jordan’s team is contesting the state’s lethal injection protocol, arguing it could inflict severe pain due to potential failures in the drug’s effectiveness. U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate is currently deliberating on procedural questions regarding the execution’s implementation, including the appropriate consciousness-check protocol.
The conversation surrounding Jordan’s case highlights ongoing debates regarding the death penalty and its implications for veterans and individuals with complex histories.
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