Aaron Brian Gunches is urging Arizona's Supreme Court to expedite his execution, claiming it is overdue, as he submitted a handwritten request to schedule it for mid-February following a tumultuous judicial history.

Gunches' push for an expedited execution highlights the tensions surrounding Arizona's fraught death penalty process, which has faced intense scrutiny after years of procedural delays and controversies over execution methods. With his conviction for the 2002 murder of Ted Price, the support from Attorney General Kris Mayes for a quicker resolution underscores a growing frustration both within the judicial system and among advocates for capital punishment, as the state grapples with criticisms and a lack of execution expertise since pausing the death penalty for nearly two years.

Gunches, who has been on death row since his conviction, previously filed a motion in November 2022 seeking the issuance of a death warrant. However, he withdrew that motion in January 2023, which has contributed to the uncertainty surrounding his execution timeline. His latest filing represents a shift in strategy, as he now appears to be pressing for a swift resolution to his legal proceedings.

The backdrop of Gunches' request is particularly significant given Arizona's recent history with capital punishment. Following three executions in 2022, the state halted executions for nearly two years to reassess its protocols. This pause was initiated amid escalating concerns about the execution process, which many activists argue could lead to botched procedures due to the state's difficulty in obtaining the necessary drugs and executing them competently.

Governor Katie Hobbs has been vocal about the challenges facing Arizona's execution process, asserting that the state currently lacks the expertise to carry out executions safely. Her administration faced backlash after she dismissed a judge previously overseeing the review of execution protocols, effectively ending the examination of the state's methods. This dismissal raised questions among advocates for reform about the commitment to ensuring humane execution practices.

Concerns have been raised regarding the execution process in Arizona, particularly in terms of drug administration and IV insertion times, which have drawn scrutiny in both state and national conversations regarding the ethics of capital punishment.

Amid this backdrop, Attorney General Kris Mayes' office is seeking an expedited execution for Gunches, indicating a briefing schedule is necessary. This response aligns with Gunches' push for a sped-up execution, as he believes it is overdue.

The complexities surrounding Gunches' case are emblematic of broader issues in the Arizona judicial system concerning the death penalty. As the state navigates the legal, ethical, and procedural challenges of executions, Gunches' insistence on moving forward may spark additional discussions about the future of capital punishment in Arizona.

With the upcoming court filing by Gunches, the Arizona Supreme Court will need to consider not only his immediate request but also the procedural context surrounding executions in the state. Gunches submitted a handwritten court filing requesting the state Supreme Court schedule his execution for mid-February. The interplay between judicial responsibilities and the state's current execution procedures will likely influence the outcomes of Gunches’ request and similar cases in the future.