Overview
- The Arizona Supreme Court issued the warrant Thursday, setting May 20 for what would be the state’s first execution of 2026.
- Defense lawyers sought a delay to contest sentencing instructions, but prosecutors argued appeals had ended in 2022 and the court proceeded after the state requested the warrant.
- Investigators said he threw gasoline and a lit match on Charles Perez and Nova Banta in 2002; Perez died and Banta survived with severe burns and later identified him in court.
- A 2004 jury convicted him of murder, attempted murder, arson, and endangerment and imposed death after finding prior serious crimes, a grave risk to others, and especially cruel conduct.
- Arizona resumed executions in recent years, carrying out three in 2022 and two in 2025, and the state now counts 108 prisoners on death row.