State of Arizona carries out first execution in two years
UPDATE (1:40 PM): The state of Arizona ended the life of inmate Aaron Gunches, who was convicted of killing and kidnapping Ted Price.
"The family of Ted Price has been waiting for justice for more than two decades. They deserve closure under a system that is more transparent, more accountable and more faithful to our Constitution and the rule of law. Today, Arizona resumed the death penalty and justice for Ted price and his family was finally served."
Kris Mayes, Arizona Attorney General
The process began Wednesday morning at a correctional facility in Florence, Arizona, where Gunches was hooked up to an IV just after 10:00 a.m. and declared dead about a half-hour later, according to prison authorities.
Price was in Arizona to get help for his drug-addicted ex-wife.
According to Price's family, the ex-wife asked Gunches, who was her dealer, to help her, and Gunches then kidnapped and killed Price.
"If Ted were alive today, he would be 63-years-old. Like to imagine we would both be enjoying our retirement and perhaps planning a trip together, rather than me coming here to witness the execution of the man that took his life.
Although we've taken the final step in the legal process, the pain of losing Ted remains profound and cannot be conveyed in mere words.
Today marks the final chapter in a process that has spanned nearly 23 years. but our journey of healing is far from over. I genuinely hope that after today, we can finally begin to put this chapter behind us."
Karen Price, sister of Ted Price
Gunches was charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping in October 2003. He pleaded guilty in 2007.
Since the conviction, Gunches waived multiple appeals and once said his death sentence was long overdue.
UPDATE (9:30 AM): Arizona authorities are holding a press conference following Aaron Gunches' execution.
To watch the livestream of the press conference, see attached video.
(NBC, KYMA/KECY) - Arizona is set to conduct its first execution in two years. 53-year-old Aaron Gunches is scheduled to die by lethal injection for a 2002 murder.
"You know, I have sympathy for all of the families that that have to go through this because the initial murder of your loved one is just the beginning," said Karen Price, the victim's sister.
Price knows that firsthand as her brother Ted was killed in 2002 by Gunches, who's scheduled to be executed for the crime Wednesday morning.
Ted was Price's big brother: "He was a kind person. You know, he was always sympathetic to people who had less than him...Not every person has those qualities, but he did."
Price says Ted was living out of state, but came back to Arizona to find his ex-wife named Kat hooked on meth and living in squalor with her two children, who he cared about.
"Ted threatened to turn Kat into CPS for what was going on. And Kat called the drug dealer, Aaron Gunches, that was her drug dealer, and said, 'You know, my ex is here. He's making noise about turning him into CPS. That cannot happen. You need to come take care of this.' So his solution was take Ted out into the desert and kill him."
Karen Price, victim's brother
Price, who lives on the East Coast, says she needs to be in Arizona when Gunches is executed.
"I feel like I have to see this through. I have to be there for Ted," Price expressed.
