Condemned Inmate Demands Swift Execution: A Controversial Plea

Aaron Gunches has informed the Arizona Supreme Court of his desire to be executed. In a hand-written legal brief, he requested the court to issue the necessary warrant by this coming Wednesday, aimed at facilitating his execution for the 2002 first-degree murder and kidnapping of Ted Price.

Gunches indicated that this timeline would allow the state Department of Corrections to prepare and test the lethal drug for use. Specifically, he pointed out the significance of February 14, which he believes is a fitting date for his long-anticipated execution. He noted this date falls within the 45-day timeframe during which the compounded drug remains viable.

Attorney General Kris Mayes is already seeking a briefing schedule to address the execution warrant. Notably, Gunches, who first made his request over two years ago, questioned the necessity of these proceedings. He criticized Mayes’ actions as prolonging the legal process unnecessarily.

“Gunches asks this court why is AG Mayes’ motion necessary?” he wrote, asserting that it is simply “foot dragging” by the state. In contrast, Mayes argues an extended timeframe is essential to meet execution-related requirements, particularly regarding the drug’s testing and disclosure.

Gunches countered these claims, referring to ADCRR Director Ryan Thornell’s assurances that he has resolved previous issues with execution procedures. He highlighted that the same laboratory and drugs are being employed by the current administration as were used earlier, suggesting that any delays are unwarranted.

He stated, “Two long years later, Gov. Hobbs fired him stating ADCRR Director Thornell had remedied all the problems and Gunches’ execution can go forth.” Gunches emphasized that any further postponement of his sentence is unacceptable and insisted on adherence to Arizona’s laws.

While Gunches aims for a February execution, Mayes is advocating for the complete briefing schedule to ensure that corrections officials are adequately prepared. His conviction arose from the murder of Ted Price, the ex-husband of Gunches’ girlfriend.

Gunches previously waived his right to post-conviction review and filed for an execution warrant in November 2022. Following this, a transition in attorney general positions led to complications in his request. Although earlier warrants have expired, the court has remained firm on the matter.

If executed, Gunches would be the first inmate put to death in Arizona since 2022, marking a significant return to capital punishment procedures that had temporarily ceased after concerns arose from previous executions. Currently, he is among 111 inmates on death row, with 25 having exhausted all appeals.