PHOENIX — The Arizona Supreme Court has scheduled an execution date for March 19 for a man convicted of murder over 17 years ago, marking the state’s first use of the death penalty in over two years. Aaron Brian Gunches, who pleaded guilty and described his death sentence as “long overdue,” was convicted in 2007 for the 2002 murder of Ted Price, his girlfriend’s former spouse, in a shooting near Mesa.
The court’s execution warrant was issued following Gunches’ crime spree, which included shooting an Arizona Department of Public Safety trooper in 2003 during a traffic stop. The trooper survived thanks to a bulletproof vest, and evidence from the crime scene linked the bullets found there to those near Price’s body.
Karen Price, the victim’s sister, shared memories of her brother as a generous and fun-loving individual who cherished the Phoenix Suns and Arizona Diamondbacks, as well as his motorcycle. She expressed a sense of relief upon the issuance of the execution warrant, emphasizing the enduring impact of her brother’s murder on their family.
“It’s impossible to describe how Ted’s murder has devastated our family,” she stated.
Arizona currently has 112 inmates on death row, and the last round of executions occurred in 2022 after an extended pause due to public outcry regarding a botched execution in 2014 and challenges in obtaining execution drugs. One execution that year drew criticism for delays in administering lethal injection.
A previous death warrant for Gunches was issued nearly two years ago but was not acted upon following state Attorney General directives to halt executions pending a review of the death penalty protocols. That review concluded last November, prompting changes aimed at enhancing transparency and compliance with legal standards.
The 53-year-old Gunches, who is not a lawyer but is representing himself, had requested that the court expedite his execution process, claiming it was overdue. However, the Arizona Supreme Court denied his request.
No immediate comments were available from Gunches’ advisory counsel regarding this latest development.
