Aaron Brian Gunches, who is currently on death row in Arizona, has made a formal request to the state's Supreme Court to fast-track his execution, aiming for a date in mid-February. This desire to have his death sentence carried out stems from his conviction for the 2002 murder of Ted Price, the ex-husband of his girlfriend. Gunches has previously attempted to facilitate the scheduling of his execution; in November 2022, he sought a death warrant, expressing his wish to provide closure to the victim's family. However, he later withdrew this request in January 2023, citing concerns about the method of execution, particularly after witnessing executions he described as torturous.
In his latest petition, Gunches, who is acting as his own attorney, criticized the state for delaying the execution process. He emphasized that his death sentence has been "long overdue" and criticized the legal proceedings for not actively progressing. The Attorney General’s office, represented by Kris Mayes, noted that a proper briefing schedule is necessary to prepare corrections officials for the execution, including ensuring the availability of the necessary lethal injection drugs.
Gunches’ execution was initially scheduled for April 2023, but the execution was postponed by Governor Katie Hobbs’ administration due to concerns about staffing and expertise in carrying out death sentences. Hobbs has made a commitment not to resume executions unless there is confidence in adhering to legal standards, a review process she initiated but later halted in November when she removed the appointed federal magistrate overseeing it.
Gunches is among 111 prisoners on Arizona's death row, and the state's execution procedures have come under scrutiny following a series of criticisms, particularly after a botched execution in 2014 and challenges in procuring lethal injection drugs. Arizona had resumed executions in 2022 after a nearly eight-year hiatus, but delays and mishaps regarding execution protocols have persisted since then.
9 Comments
Rotfront
He's had his chance at life, he misused it. Now it's time for him to face the ultimate consequence of his actions.
Matzomaster
He's a danger to society, even on death row. Executing him protects everyone from potential future harm.
Karamba
Let's break the cycle of violence. Don't kill him, show him the error of his ways and offer him a chance at redemption.
Rotfront
The death penalty is the law of the land, and it needs to be upheld. We can't pick and choose when to follow the law.
Karamba
He wants to play hero now? Where was this compassion when he murdered someone? No sympathy here.
Michelangelo
His execution will only cause more pain for the victim's family. They deserve peace, not the spectacle of another death.
Leonardo
This is just a ploy to get attention, don't fall for it. He should face the consequences of his actions like any other murderer.
Donatello
He's shown no remorse, no regret for his actions. He doesn't deserve leniency or a chance at redemption.
Africa
The execution process is flawed, but that doesn't mean he should get off easy. He needs to pay for what he did.