An Arizona man, Leroy Dean McGill, was executed for the 2002 murder of James Perez. McGill, 53, was pronounced dead at 10:26 a.m. PDT after receiving a lethal injection at the Arizona State Prison Complex in Florence.
McGill was convicted of killing Perez by throwing gasoline on him and his girlfriend, Nova Banta, before setting them on fire. This attack occurred at an apartment in north Phoenix. Banta survived, but Perez succumbed to his injuries.
Witnesses described McGill as calm during his execution. He smiled and nodded at them, remarking, “I’m going home soon,” according to The Associated Press. After receiving pentobarbital, McGill experienced heavy breathing and a snoring sound before being declared dead 21 minutes later.
“I didn’t see any issue at all finding a vein on either arm,” said Sean Rice, a media witness.
The execution proceeded without complications, as confirmed by Arizona Department of Corrections Deputy Director John Barcello. McGill’s last words expressed gratitude to those present during his final moments.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes reflected on the victims and their families after the execution. Banta had testified that McGill warned her and Perez against speaking negatively about others just before the assault. Investigators reported that both fled the apartment engulfed in flames. A resident used a blanket to extinguish the flames on Banta, who sustained third-degree burns. Perez later died in the hospital while enduring severe pain.
In 2004, a jury convicted McGill of first-degree murder in Perez’s death, among other charges. Defense attorneys argued for life imprisonment due to McGill’s childhood abuse, mental deficiencies, and emotional immaturity, but jurors chose the death penalty.
McGill’s attorneys later attempted to reopen the sentencing phase, but a judge denied the motion. The Arizona Supreme Court also rejected a delay in execution. McGill declined to pursue clemency and did not grant an interview request from The Associated Press.
This execution marked the 12th in the U.S. this year, with more scheduled in other states. Arizona recently resumed executions after a pause due to drug procurement issues and past procedural concerns. Currently, 108 inmates remain on Arizona’s death row.
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