On Wednesday, Leroy Dean McGill was executed by lethal injection at the Arizona State Prison Complex in Florence. This marked the first of three U.S. executions scheduled for the week.
McGill, aged 53, was found guilty of killing James Perez in 2002. During the attack in a Phoenix apartment, McGill ignited Perez and his girlfriend, Nova Banta, after pouring gasoline on them. Banta survived, while Perez succumbed to his injuries later.
Witnesses reported that McGill appeared calm before the execution. According to reports, he smiled and nodded at witnesses, stating, “I’m going home soon.” He was pronounced dead at 10:26 a.m. PDT, 21 minutes after receiving pentobarbital.
Executing this procedure, Arizona ensured no issues arose, a stark contrast to a troubled execution in 2022. Sean Rice, a media witness from Phoenix, observed no complications in finding a vein and noted a slight twitch before McGill’s death.
John Barcello, Deputy Director of Arizona’s Department of Corrections, confirmed the process went smoothly. McGill’s final words reflected gratitude toward those involved.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes expressed thoughts for victims and their families following the execution. During McGill’s trial, Banta testified that he warned against “talking behind people’s backs” before the assault. A resident used a blanket to save Banta from the flames. Perez suffered pain until his hospital death.
Identified as the attacker by Banta, McGill was convicted in October 2004. The jury quickly found him guilty of murder, attempted murder, arson, and endangering other residents.
Defense attorneys cited McGill’s troubled background to seek lenience, but the jury imposed the death penalty. Attempts to halt the execution failed earlier this year.
Notably, McGill chose not to seek clemency or give an interview. His execution was the 12th in the U.S. this year, with Tennessee and Florida following suit that week.
Arizona restarted executions in 2022 after resolving issues with lethal injection drugs. In 2014, an execution sparked concern due to prolonged distress exhibited by the inmate.
Following McGill’s execution, Arizona’s protocol requires administering pentobarbital. Currently, the state holds 108 inmates on death row.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.