An Arizona man who killed another man by setting him on fire was executed on Wednesday. This marked the first of three executions scheduled in the U.S. this week.
Leroy Dean McGill, 53, died by lethal injection at 10:26 a.m. PDT at the Arizona State Prison Complex in Florence, as reported by The Associated Press. McGill was found guilty of the murder of James Perez in 2002, during an attack in north Phoenix.
Prosecutors stated that McGill, reportedly under the influence of methamphetamine and sleep-deprived, poured gasoline on Perez and his girlfriend, Nova Banta, while they sat on a couch. He then set them on fire. Banta survived the assault, but Perez died of his injuries.
McGill appeared calm before the execution, reportedly telling witnesses, “I’m going home soon,”The Associated Press noted.
Witnesses reported McGill began breathing heavily after receiving pentobarbital and made a snoring sound. He was pronounced dead nearly 21 minutes after the IV was inserted.
Officials in Arizona faced criticism last year when difficulties occurred during another inmate’s execution. However, witnesses said that McGill’s execution proceeded without complications.
Sean Rice, a media witness, remarked that IV insertion went smoothly and reported a minor twitch on McGill’s head before death was declared.
Arizona Department of Corrections Deputy Director John Barcello confirmed that the execution followed the planned process, citing McGill’s last words, thanking those involved for their kindness.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes expressed thoughts for the victims and their families following the execution.
During the trial, Nova Banta testified that McGill warned her and Perez not to “talk behind people’s backs” shortly before the attack began. Investigators revealed that they fled from the apartment while ablaze. Another resident extinguished Banta with a blanket, who incurred severe burns. Perez succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.
The jury swiftly convicted McGill in October 2004 on counts of first-degree murder, attempted murder, arson, and endangerment from the fire’s spread. Defense attorneys, citing his troubled past and mental issues, sought leniency, but the jury imposed the death penalty.
Earlier this year, McGill’s legal team attempted to halt the execution by reopening sentencing, but both a lower court and the Arizona Supreme Court denied the motion. McGill chose not to pursue clemency.
This year, McGill’s execution contributed to the 12 executions conducted in the U.S. Upcoming executions are scheduled in Tennessee and Florida.
Arizona last executed individuals in 2025, following resumption of executions in 2022 after an extended pause.
Arizona’s current protocol involves administering pentobarbital, a strong sedative, through two syringes. Following McGill’s case, 108 inmates remain on Arizona’s death row.