In a surprising decision, Arizona death row inmate Aaron Brian Gunches, 53, has opted not to delay his impending execution, even after years of efforts to speed up the process.
Gunches, convicted in 2004 for the brutal killing of his girlfriend’s ex-husband, Ted Price, near Mesa, has long voiced his desire for his execution to be carried out without further delays.
The Crimes and the Conviction
In 2004, Gunches pleaded guilty to the kidnapping and first-degree murder of Price, who was shot dead after a violent altercation with Gunches’ girlfriend.
Gunches had been sentenced to death during his 2008 trial, a conviction that was later upheld by the Arizona Supreme Court in 2016.
Despite this, Gunches chose to waive his right to an attorney and represented himself throughout the legal process, a controversial move that has fueled further debate among those opposed to the death penalty.
Delay in Execution and Arizona’s Death Penalty Policies
Gunches’ execution had been initially scheduled for April 2023, but Arizona’s Governor Katie Hobbs halted all death penalty executions after a series of botched procedures in 2022.
This pause was intended to address concerns surrounding the state’s execution protocols, with officials expressing the need to review and reform the system.
After a year of review, however, state officials, including Attorney General Kris Mayes, declared that executions would resume in 2024, with Gunches being the first inmate scheduled for execution in over two years.
Gunches’ Defiance and Desire for Finality
In late 2024, Gunches made it clear that he no longer wished to delay his execution.
Writing a letter to the Arizona Supreme Court, he stated that his execution was “long overdue.”
As the execution date approached, Gunches waived his right to request a commutation or reprieve, confirming his decision in a virtual meeting with the Arizona Board of Executive Clemency.
Gunches, who has been on death row since his conviction, appears resolute in his desire to face the punishment for his crimes without further legal battles.
The Murder of Ted Price
In November 2002, the victim, Ted Price, was visiting his ex-wife, Katherine Lecher, in Mesa, Arizona.
During a violent altercation, Price was struck over the head with a phone by Lecher, which left him dazed and disoriented.
Gunches arrived later that night, asking a roommate to drive him and Price to a bus stop.
Once there, Gunches claimed he didn’t have enough money for a ticket and asked to be driven to a remote area, where he then shot Price multiple times.
Gunches’ cold-blooded act was witnessed by Garcia, who later reported the crime to the authorities.
The murder was swift, and Gunches then disposed of Price’s belongings in a dumpster.
Price’s body was found days later, and Gunches was arrested following a police officer shooting incident that occurred shortly after the murder.
Legal Struggles and Controversy Surrounding His Case
Gunches’ trial has been a source of ongoing debate, especially due to his decision to represent himself.
His lack of defense during the trial and his consistent refusal to push back against his death sentence raised concerns among those who questioned his mental competency.
Even though his attorney, Marci Kratter, had argued that Gunches was not mentally fit to stand trial, the Arizona Supreme Court upheld the death sentence in 2016.
A History of Botched Executions in Arizona
Arizona has a troubling history with executions, with a string of botched lethal injections that have raised serious concerns.
The state was forced to halt executions after a highly controversial procedure in 2014, when the execution of Joseph Wood took over two hours and was accompanied by disturbing sounds of gasping and snorting.
This incident, along with difficulties in obtaining the necessary drugs for executions, led to a nearly decade-long hiatus in carrying out death penalties.
Looking Ahead: Potential Changes to Execution Methods
As Arizona prepares to resume executions, there is growing concern about the methods used.
In 2020, the state refurbished its gas chamber, and prisoners sentenced for crimes before November 1992 have the option to choose between lethal injection and the gas chamber.
However, new legislation under consideration may soon change Arizona’s execution methods, potentially introducing a firing squad as a second method of execution.
This change, if passed, would be put to voters in 2026.
Despite the ongoing debate over the death penalty and Arizona’s troubled execution history, Gunches’ case highlights the complexities and controversial nature of the justice system as it relates to capital punishment.
His decision to forgo legal challenges and expedite his execution serves as a chilling reminder of the human lives involved in these legal battles.
