Arizona Supreme Court Issues Execution Warrant for May 20 in 2002 Murder Case
The Arizona Supreme Court has formally scheduled an execution for May 20, 2026, for a prisoner convicted of a brutal 2002 murder involving setting a victim on fire. This decision marks what would be the state's first use of the death penalty this year, following two executions in 2025.
Details of the Crime and Conviction
Leroy Dean McGill, now 63 years old, was convicted of first-degree murder in the death of Charles Perez. The incident occurred in north Phoenix, where authorities stated McGill threw a cup of gasoline and a lit match at Perez and another individual, Nova Banta, as they sat on a sofa in an apartment.
Charles Perez died from the attack, while Nova Banta survived but suffered severe third-degree burns covering approximately three-quarters of her body. During the trial, Banta identified McGill as the perpetrator. Prosecutors indicated that McGill had been accused by Perez and Banta of stealing a gun from their apartment prior to the assault.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
In 2004, jurors deliberated for less than an hour before convicting McGill not only of Perez's murder but also of attempted murder for attacking Banta, arson, and endangerment related to others who escaped unharmed as the fire spread to a nearby unit. Despite defense arguments for leniency—citing McGill's childhood abuse, mental impairment, and psychological immaturity—the jury returned a death sentence.
McGill's lawyers recently sought to delay the execution warrant, litigating claims that jurors received incorrect instructions during the sentencing phase. However, prosecutors opposed this, asserting that McGill had exhausted his appeals and that the defense's latest efforts came after the state had already requested the warrant.
Statements from Legal Representatives
Jennifer Garcia, McGill's lawyer, expressed disappointment in the court's decision in a statement. "We will continue to stand by Leroy and recognize the power of rehabilitation and the growth he has shown by building a positive and meaningful life in prison, despite our disappointment in the court’s decision to issue the warrant of execution," she said. "We also acknowledge the profound loss for the victims and their families and wish them peace."
Context of Arizona's Death Penalty Usage
Arizona's death penalty history has seen fluctuations in recent years. In 2025, the state executed two individuals: Richard Kenneth Djerf for the 1993 killings of four family members in Phoenix, and Aaron Gunches for the 2002 fatal shooting of his girlfriend's ex-husband.
This follows a period of nearly eight years with no executions from 2014 to 2022, prompted by criticism over a botched execution and difficulties in obtaining lethal injection drugs. In the controversial 2014 case, Joseph Wood was injected with 15 doses of a two-drug combination over two hours, resulting in repeated snorting and gasping before death.
Currently, Arizona holds 108 prisoners on death row, highlighting ongoing debates and legal challenges surrounding capital punishment in the state.
