Arizona Set to Revive Executions After Two-Year Pause

By Matthew Holloway |

Arizona is poised to resume executions after Attorney General Kris Mayes announced the state’s readiness to act on its first execution warrant. This decision follows the dismissal of retired federal magistrate David Duncan, who was appointed by Governor Katie Hobbs to evaluate the execution process but did not complete his assignment.

According to reports from the Arizona Daily Star, Duncan’s analysis hit a roadblock when Governor Hobbs expressed a lack of confidence in his work. Duncan was authorized to charge up to $100,000 for his review but will only receive approximately $36,000 after his dismissal. His suggesting that Arizona should consider implementing a firing squad as an execution method contributed to his removal. Although this method is currently unavailable under state law, it has been successfully employed in several other states.

In addition to Duncan’s dismissal, Governor Hobbs highlighted the findings of Ryan Thornell, her appointee as the corrections department director. Thornell’s review suggested key improvements to execution protocols, emphasizing the need for revised training and thorough documentation to address issues in carrying out lethal injections.

Thornell told reporters that the department has struggled with staff inadequacies, particularly in establishing intravenous lines for executions, resulting in delays. He reassured that a medical team including trained phlebotomists has been assembled to enhance the process. Thornell emphasized the importance of consulting qualified medical personnel on execution decisions moving forward.

“With these changes in place, ADCRR is prepared to conduct an execution that complies with the legal requirements if an execution warrant is issued,” Hobbs stated.

Capitol Media Services indicated that Mayes intends to file the request for the first execution warrant within the next two weeks. This warrant will be sought to execute Aaron Gunches, convicted in 2002 for the murder and kidnapping of his girlfriend’s ex-husband, Ted Price. After spending nearly two decades on death row, Gunches previously waived his right to appeals but later sought to rescind that motion under Hobbs’s administration. The Arizona Supreme Court declined to reconsider his case, making it necessary for Mayes to pursue a new warrant.

“Given the review that has now been completed by the Department of Corrections, I feel confident that the state is prepared to conduct an execution,” Mayes stated. He reported that 111 inmates are currently on death row in Arizona, with 25 having exhausted all appeals.

Mayes also addressed the emotional toll on families awaiting justice, stating, “There are 25 families out there who have an expectation that the killer of their loved ones will be executed.” Additionally, she urged lawmakers to examine disparities between counties in their ability to fund death penalty procedures.

Matthew Holloway is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.