The New Jersey Legislature voted to abolish the death penalty in 2007, and the measure was signed into law by Governor Jon S.

He received a six-month jail sentence, but he was released early on December 22, 1960, in time for Christmas.

[6][7] On December 26, the day before the murder, Hudson went on a drinking binge across multiple Atlantic City taverns.

[6] In the early morning hours of December 27, starting at approximately 2:30 am, the Lighthizers stated that Ralph Hudson called their house multiple times in the middle of the night to drunkenly threaten them and Myrtle.

Later that same day, at 12:30 pm, the Lighthizers met with Hudson in front of a bar in Atlantic City.

At some point during the stabbing, a male witness subdued Hudson by striking him with a chair, causing him to drop the knife.

[9] As other witnesses attempted to aid Myrtle, Hudson told them, "Don't bother with her now; she's dead.

"[11] He also said he could not remember several key details of the murder, including entering the restaurant and seeing his wife; he claimed he had gone on an 18-hour drinking binge prior.

[4] Another two witnesses for the prosecution, Edward Lighthizer and his wife, who had both attempted to shelter Myrtle during at least one previous domestic violence incident, testified about Hudson's threats.

During his stay in the death house, he was described as a quiet "model prisoner" who spent most of his time watching television and gained 70 pounds.

[14] On January 22, 1963, Hudson had a last meal consisting of roast beef, French fries, peas, apple pie, ice cream, and coffee, as well as cigars and cigarettes, all of which he shared with fellow inmates.

[14] After his execution, Hudson's body was buried in the New Jersey state prison cemetery in Hamilton Township; his gravesite was marked with a tombstone that bore a number but did not bear his name.