Arizona inmate declines clemency ahead of scheduled execution
Arizona death row inmate refuses clemency ahead of execution, set for first in two years (Photo: Getty Images)
An Arizona death row inmate, set for execution next week - the state’s first in over two years - has chosen not to seek clemency, according to ABC News.
Aaron Brian Gunches, 53, is scheduled for lethal injection on March 19 for the 2002 murder of Ted Price, his girlfriend’s ex-husband, near Mesa, Arizona. Representing himself, Gunches has consistently declined to pursue clemency, stating in a recent filing, “My position has not changed.”
He will not attend the upcoming Arizona Board of Executive Clemency hearing, where his waiver will be formally acknowledged. Previously, Gunches attempted to expedite his execution, deeming his death sentence “long overdue,” but the Arizona Supreme Court denied his request.
Arizona’s evolving execution protocols
After an eight-year hiatus due to a botched 2014 execution and drug procurement issues, Arizona resumed executions in 2022. The state faced criticism over prolonged IV insertions during lethal injections, prompting officials to assemble a larger team to address these concerns.
Currently, Arizona law allows inmates whose crimes occurred before November 23, 1992, to choose between lethal injection or the gas chamber; those convicted after that date are assigned lethal injection. Lawmakers are considering a proposal to replace lethal injection with a firing squad, potentially presenting this option to voters in 2026.
This development aligns with a broader national discourse on execution methods. Notably, South Carolina recently conducted its first firing squad execution in nearly 15 years, reigniting debates over humane practices in capital punishment.
