Arizona death row inmate wants to be executed earlier than the state is planning

An Arizona death row inmate, Aaron Brian Gunches, has made a bold request to the state Supreme Court to expedite his execution, skipping legal formalities and scheduling it earlier than planned. Gunches, 53, is seeking to be put to death by lethal injection for the 2002 murder of Ted Price, his girlfriend’s ex-husband, to which he had previously pleaded guilty.

This execution would mark Arizona’s first use of the death penalty since a two-year pause was implemented to review execution procedures. In a handwritten court filing, Gunches, who is representing himself despite not being a lawyer, urged the high court to set his execution date for mid-February, stating that his death sentence is “long overdue” and accusing the state of prolonging the process by requesting a legal briefing schedule leading up to the execution.

However, Democrat Attorney General Kris Mayes’ office, which is pursuing Gunches’ execution, emphasized the need for a briefing schedule to ensure that corrections officials meet all execution requirements, including testing the pentobarbital that will be used for the lethal injection. Two years ago, Gunches had petitioned the state Supreme Court to issue his execution warrant, citing the need for justice to be served and closure for the victim’s family.

Gunches’ execution was initially scheduled for April 2023, but Governor Katie Hobbs’ office announced that the state was not prepared to carry out the death penalty due to a lack of staff with the necessary expertise. Hobbs had halted all executions until she was confident that they could be conducted without violating any laws, leading to a review that concluded in November when the appointed retired federal magistrate judge was dismissed.

Arizona currently has 111 inmates on death row, but the state had not executed any death sentences since 2022, when three inmates were put to death following an almost eight-year hiatus. This pause was triggered by criticism of a botched 2014 execution and difficulties in obtaining lethal injection drugs. The state has also faced criticism for delays in inserting an IV for lethal injection in a death row inmate.

In conclusion, Gunches’ plea for an expedited execution has stirred controversy and raised questions about the state’s ability to carry out capital punishment effectively. The legal battle surrounding his case continues, with the ultimate decision resting in the hands of the Arizona Supreme Court.