An Arizona man named Leroy Dean McGill was executed for murder on Wednesday. This execution was the first of three scheduled this week in the U.S.
McGill, aged 53, was pronounced dead at 10:26 a.m. PDT after a lethal injection at the Arizona State Prison Complex in Florence. He was convicted for the 2002 murder of James Perez. McGill had attacked Perez and his girlfriend, Nova Banta, with gasoline in north Phoenix, setting them on fire. While Banta survived, Perez succumbed to his injuries.
Witnesses reported that McGill remained calm during the execution. He looked towards the witnesses, smiled, and at one point, remarked, “I’m going home soon.” After the administration of pentobarbital, he began breathing heavily and was pronounced dead nearly 21 minutes later.
Execution officials faced earlier criticism for struggles with IV insertions, but Wednesday’s procedure proceeded smoothly. Sean Rice, a media witness, reported no trouble during the injection process.
John Barcello from the Arizona Department of Corrections stated that the process unfolded as planned. McGill’s final statement was one of gratitude towards those present.
The Arizona Attorney General, Kris Mayes, expressed consideration for the victims’ families following the execution.
During the initial trial, Banta had testified about the threats made by McGill prior to the attack. The jury quickly convicted McGill of first-degree murder and other related charges, despite defense attorneys referencing his past abuse and mental issues.
McGill’s legal team attempted to reopen sentencing earlier this year, but was denied. He also waived his right to an interview and clemency plea.
McGill’s execution is the 12th in the U.S. this year. Other executions are scheduled in Tennessee and Florida. Arizona resumed executions in 2022 after an eight-year hiatus. Currently, the state has 108 inmates on death row.