Arizona is bracing to resume executions after a pause that stretched over two years, a move that has reignited contentious debate around the state's death penalty procedures. Attorney General Kris Mayes confirmed preparations to request the state's first execution warrant in years, just as Governor Katie Hobbs dismissed David Duncan, a retired federal magistrate, from reviewing the execution process—a task he reportedly did not complete before his dismissal.
In the wake of Duncan's ousting, the state's readiness to move forward with executions is hinged on the reforms suggested by Ryan Thornell, the director of the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR). According to a report by Capitol Media Services, Thornell has presented a series of revisions that include improved training for staff and more rigorous documentation. Duncan's findings, according to a letter revealed by Capitol Media Services, were rejected by Gov. Hobbs, who noted deviations from his mandate to assess existing execution procedures and protocols.
The former magistrate, David Duncan, whose unexpected sacking came after being authorized to charge up to $100,000 for his work, was only paid $36,000 upon his removal. Discussing his review, Duncan also brought up the firing squad as a potential method of execution, an approach not legally available in Arizona, but one that he believes "does overcome the impediments to lethal injection." His suggestion stood in stark contrast to the current law and Hobbs' directive, as detailed in a FOX 10 Phoenix interview with Duncan himself.
Thornell has publicly described issues with ADCRR staff being unable to properly place IV lines for lethal injections, leading to protracted executions—a matter he's addressed by assembling a medical team with the necessary expertise. "I will not make decisions without the advice of the trained and qualified medical/IV team," Thornell stated, emphasizing the intent to avoid inconsistent decision-making in the execution process.
The renewed developments are set against the backdrop of Governor Hobbs's commitment to institute change while assuming office, and Attorney General Mayes's charge, to proceed with the legal requirements for executions. Aaron Gunches stands as the first inmate in line, having previously pled guilty to the first-degree murder and kidnapping of his girlfriend’s ex-husband, Ted Price, in 2002. While Gunches initially sought to expedite his execution, he later withdrew his motion—however, the Arizona Supreme Court has allowed the pursuit of a new death warrant, as explained by Mayes who told Capitol Media Services, "Given the review that has now been completed by the Department of Corrections, I feel confident that the state is prepared to conduct an execution." With 111 inmates on death row in Arizona and 25 having exhausted their appeals, the state's next steps will unfurl under the scrutiny of those advocating for and against the death penalty.
