Arizona's First Execution in Over Two Years: The Case of Aaron Brian Gunches

The Arizona Supreme Court has set a March 19 execution date for Aaron Brian Gunches, convicted of murder in 2007. This will be the state's first execution in over two years. Gunches, representing himself, requested an expedited execution date. The state aims to ensure humane execution amid historical criticism.

The Arizona Supreme Court has scheduled a March 19 execution for Aaron Brian Gunches, marking the state's first application of the death penalty in more than two years. Gunches, convicted in 2007 for the murder of Ted Price, has publicly stated that his execution is 'long overdue.'

In 2003, Gunches shot a state trooper twice, and ballistics linked the incident to Price's murder in Mesa. Although a death warrant was issued against him nearly two years ago, the execution was delayed as the state's attorney general paused executions pending a review of execution procedures.

Following the review, which ended in November, officials have committed to transparent and humane execution protocols. Despite representing himself, Gunches had requested an expedited date for his lethal injection, claiming the legal formalities should be bypassed. However, the state Supreme Court rejected his earlier request.

(With inputs from agencies.)