Arizona Inmate Aaron Gunches Set for Execution This Wednesday

Aaron Gunches, convicted of kidnapping and murdering Ted Price in 2002, is set to be executed in Arizona. This marks the state’s first execution in over two years, scheduled for March 19 at 10 a.m. in Florence, according to the Arizona Department of Corrections.

Gunches was found guilty of the heinous crime committed in Mesa. Price, who traveled to Arizona to seek help for his ex-wife’s drug addiction, became a victim when Gunches, her dealer, took matters into his own hands. After his conviction in 2007, Gunches has since waived multiple appeals, stating at one point that his death sentence was “long overdue.”

He opted out of participating in a recent hearing before the Arizona Board of Executive Clemency, rejecting any plea for commutation or reprieve. The last execution in Arizona occurred in November 2022, following a series of delays due to issues surrounding execution protocols and drug availability.

The execution of Gunches comes after a pause in executions initiated by Governor Katie Hobbs to review the state’s procedures. That review concluded in November when Hobbs dismissed the retired federal judge overseeing it.

In a notable detail, 12News reporter Troy Hayden has been selected as a media witness for the upcoming execution.