An Arizona man named Leroy Dean McGill was executed after being convicted of a brutal murder. This execution, which took place on Wednesday, marked the first of three executions scheduled in the U.S. this week.
The Associated Press reported that McGill, aged 53, died at 10:26 a.m. PDT following a lethal injection at the Arizona State Prison Complex in Florence. He was found guilty of killing James Perez back in 2002. McGill attacked Perez and his girlfriend, Nova Banta, by pouring gasoline on them and setting them on fire as they sat on a couch. Although Banta survived, Perez succumbed to his injuries.
Witnesses described McGill as calm and cooperative during his execution. Before the procedure, he acknowledged the witnesses and stated, “I’m going home soon.” After receiving pentobarbital, he exhibited heavy breathing and snoring sounds. About 21 minutes after the lethal injection began, officials pronounced him dead.
In 2022, Arizona faced criticism for botching another execution, but witnesses reported that McGill’s execution proceeded without issues. Media witness Sean Rice confirmed that the process went smoothly and noted a slight twitch minutes before McGill’s death.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes mentioned the importance of holding the execution, reflecting on the impact on the victims and families involved. During McGill’s trial, Banta testified that McGill had warned them not to “talk behind people’s backs” shortly before the attack. Banta identified McGill as the assailant during court proceedings.
A jury convicted McGill in October 2004 for Perez’s murder, attempted murder, and additional charges related to the broader public threat. The defense argued to spare his life due to factors like childhood abuse and mental deficiencies, but the jury decided on the death penalty.
Although McGill’s attorneys attempted to challenge the execution, lower courts and the Arizona Supreme Court denied their requests. McGill refused to pursue clemency or provide interviews.
The execution was the 12th executed in the U.S. this year, with others scheduled in Tennessee and Florida. Arizona resumed executions in 2022 after a hiatus due to complications with lethal injection drugs and scrutiny over previous protocol failures.
The state now uses pentobarbital for executions. Following McGill’s execution, there are 108 inmates remaining on Arizona’s death row.