The Arizona Supreme Court has rebuffed death row inmate Aaron Gunches’ unusual request to be executed on February 14, 2025, choosing instead to map out a formal briefing schedule for determining his execution date.

Gunches, who was sentenced to death for the 2002 slaying of Ted Price, recently approached the court seeking to fast-track his own execution, declaring his death sentence was “long overdue.” Rather than grant his specific timeline, the court opted for a more methodical approach.

The case marks another twist in Gunches’ path to execution, following a previously scheduled date in April 2023 that was derailed when Governor Katie Hobbs’ administration revealed the state lacked personnel with proper execution expertise.

Weighing in on the case, Jesuit Father Juan Pablo Marrufo del Toro offered insight into the Catholic Church’s stance: “As Jesuits and as Catholics, we are always opposed to the death penalty,” noting that “Pope Francis says the death penalty deprives people of hope.”

The development unfolds against the backdrop of Arizona’s recently resumed execution program. The state had previously halted executions for eight years, from 2014 to 2022, following concerns about execution procedures.

The court will now proceed with establishing a formal briefing schedule to chart the course for future proceedings in Gunches’ case.