Arizona Governor Won’t Proceed With Execution of Convicted Murderer

According to the Governor of Arizona, executions of murderers convicted of crimes will not occur despite an order of the state’s highest Court.

“Under my Administration, an execution will not occur until the people of Arizona can have confidence that the State is not violating the law in carrying out the gravest of penalties,” Arizona Democrat Gov. Katie Hobbs stated in a statement for news media.

On Thursday, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled that a state law prohibited it from issuing an execution warrant if certain conditions were met. This was the decision in Aaron Gunches’ case.

Gunches, who was convicted of killing Ted Price in 2002 and his ex-husband, requested that the court issue a warrant for late 2022. “so his sentence of death may be carried out immediately. … so that justice may be lawfully served and give closure to the Victims family.” Support was filed by Mark Brnovich (a Republican), the then-Arizona Attorney general.

Kris Mayes was the new state’s top law enforcement officer, a Democrat attorney general. He asked for the case to be withdrawn, pointing out Gunches’ change of mind.

“The State would not have moved for a warrant of execution at this time if Gunches had not asked to be executed. And on that front, circumstances have now changed,” Mayes said.

Hobbs ordered an immediate review of Arizona’s execution procedures shortly after assuming office. He has appointed Judge David Duncan, a retired U.S. Magistrate, to oversee the review.

Mayes argued that executions shouldn’t be performed while the review takes place.

Forcible to issue warrant

Robert Brutinel was Chief Justice at Arizona Supreme Court.