Aaron Gunches Set for Execution on March 18 After Decades of Death Wish

The Arizona Supreme Court announced on Tuesday that it has issued a warrant for the execution of Aaron Gunches, convicted of murder in 2002. The warrant establishes March 18 as the execution date, which corresponds with state law mandating a 35-day notice period.

Gunches has long sought his execution. During his trial in 2013 for the murder of Ted Price, he famously urged jurors, “Do what you’re going to do.” His approach was met with disbelief by the presiding judge, who remarked that it resembled “suicide by jury.” Despite the presence of advisory counsel, Marci Kratter, Gunches did not present a defense, leading Kratter to express frustration over his lack of cooperation.

Since 2017, Gunches has actively requested the courts to carry out his execution, even attempting to expedite the process in 2022 after a change in the governor’s office stalled his plans. In his quest, he dismissed an appeal attorney, opting not to challenge his sentence further.

Several individuals and organizations filed “friend of the court” briefs, arguing against the execution by highlighting potential concerns with the lethal injection drugs. However, Gunches did not contest these efforts, and the Supreme Court noted, “He does not dispute that the requirements of Arizona law are satisfied and he does not oppose issuance of a warrant of execution.” Governor Katie Hobbs has refrained from commenting on the matter.

The crime dates back to 2002 when Gunches found Price dazed after a physical altercation with Gunches’ girlfriend. After a failed attempt to send Price out of town, Gunches fatally shot him. In the ensuing chase involving law enforcement, Gunches was apprehended after being wounded in a shootout.

In 2004, he pleaded guilty to first-degree murder. Despite the guilty plea, the case was taken to trial for sentencing. By acting as his own attorney, Gunches did not present a defense, resulting in a death sentence in 2008. The state Supreme Court later called for a new trial, questioning whether the murder met the criteria for death penalty consideration.

The retrial in 2013 reaffirmed his sentence, as he again opted against presenting a defense. Kratter noted the jury faced a difficult decision, as Gunches provided no evidence to sway them toward life imprisonment. Ultimately, he was sentenced to death once more.

Since then, Gunches has repeatedly called for his execution. After previous delays related to botched executions and drug acquisition issues, the matter resurfaced this year. Following a series of legal complications involving other death row inmates and concerns regarding lethal injection procedures, the court upheld the warrant, asserting that the necessary legal criteria have been met.

In a concluding statement, the Supreme Court emphasized that current arguments do not pertain to the execution itself but rather the legal requirements that have been satisfied. As such, they authorized the Arizona Department of Corrections to carry out Gunches’ execution.