Aaron Brian Gunches, who spent nearly two decades on death row, has finally had his request for execution granted.
On March 19, 2025, Gunches was put to death in Arizona for the 2002 murder of his girlfriend’s ex-husband, Ted Price.
This case, which began with a brutal killing over two decades ago, has now concluded after years of legal battles, despite Gunches repeatedly seeking to expedite his execution.
A Self-Represented Convict with No Desire to Fight His Sentence
Gunches’ legal journey has been filled with unusual choices, including his decision to represent himself during multiple trials and hearings.
He never contested his sentence, even after being accused of “suicide by jury” by the judge.
His case highlights a deep personal desire to end his life on death row, a stark contrast to the typical last-minute pleas for reprieve from other death row inmates.
The Murder and Aftermath of Ted Price
The 2002 murder of Ted Price occurred after an altercation with his ex-wife, Katherine Lecher, and her boyfriend, Aaron Gunches.
Price was struck in the head during the dispute and later taken by Gunches and one of Lecher’s roommates, Jennifer Garcia, to a secluded area where he was shot and killed.
Gunches, coldly nonchalant about the murder, later disposed of Price’s belongings, and the victim’s body was discovered days later.
Legal Battles and Gunches’ Repeated Requests for Execution
Despite his admission of guilt, Gunches’ case went to trial due to the prosecution seeking the death penalty.
Gunches, who chose not to fight the sentence, repeatedly asked for his execution to be expedited.
Even after the Arizona Supreme Court intervened and ordered a new trial, Gunches continued to make no attempt to prevent his death sentence.
His actions, including refusing mental health evaluations, led to continued concerns over his mental competency.
A History of Controversial Executions in Arizona
Arizona has faced significant challenges in carrying out death penalty executions, with several past procedures raising concerns about the methods used and the pain caused to inmates.
This led to a moratorium on executions in 2014, and recent executions in 2022 sparked further questions about the state’s handling of death row procedures.
Gunches’ execution is the latest chapter in Arizona’s ongoing and controversial history with the death penalty.
The Push for Change in Execution Methods in Arizona
Amidst the debates surrounding Arizona’s death penalty procedures, the state legislature is currently considering a proposal to replace lethal injection with a firing squad.
This potential shift would bring new changes to how the state handles capital punishment, continuing the long-standing conversation about the ethical and legal challenges of the death penalty in the United States.