STOP the Execution of Richard Gerald Jordan

Mississippi intends to execute Richard Gerald Jordan on June 25 for the 1977 murder of Edwina Marter.

We oppose this execution as we do every execution. Capital punishment is an act of state sanctioned violence that violates the sacred dignity of every human life. In the words of Saint Pope John Paul II, “The dignity of human life must never be taken away, even in the case of someone who has done great evil.”

Richard served our country in the Vietnam War, entering the military immediately after high school. He served three tours of duty, and was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, and 5 Air Medals — documenting extensive time in a helicopter in the combat theater. After being deployed in combat in Vietnam for 33 months, Richard was honorably discharged and returned home, deeply affected by the trauma he experienced. Richard still suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The United States Supreme Court has stressed that, before any jury makes a life-or-death decision, it should hear about a person’s “military service” as well as any “struggles to regain normality upon his return from war, including PTSD that could manifest in impulsive, violent behavior.” Richard’s jury never had the opportunity to hear about his combat service in Vietnam or the horrific trauma he suffered.

Since being incarcerated, Richard, who is now 79, has been an exemplary inmate who feels deep remorse for his crime and seeks to be a force for good, helping others as he can while in prison. He has Tier Worker status, a position of trust given to inmates who have shown good behavior and no record violation reports for a long period of time. Richard is a mentor to other inmates, helps guards by cleaning their offices and filing, passes out food trays, and he is known for lessening conflicts among his peers.

Contact Governor Reeves today urging him to stop Richard Gerald Jordan’s execution.