Arizona set to execute a prisoner for the killing of a man set on fire in 2002 attack
Arizona is set Wednesday to execute a prisoner convicted of fatally setting a man on fire over 20 years ago
www.independent.co.ukHere are the latest updates on Leroy McGill:
- Arizona executed Leroy Dean McGill on May 20, 2026. This marked the first execution in Arizona for 2026 and the third since the state resumed executions in 2025 after a pause.[3][4][6]
- McGill was convicted in 2004 for the murder of Charles Perez and the attempted murder of Nova Banta in a 2002 Phoenix attack in which he set victims on fire; he was sentenced to death and exhausted his appeals before the execution date was set.[1][2][3]
- Coverage from local outlets confirms the execution proceeded by lethal injection at the Arizona State Prison Complex-Florence, with statements noting the legal process and the impact on victims’ families.[9][3]
If you’d like, I can pull more details from specific outlets or provide a brief timeline of events leading up to the execution. I can also summarize reactions from victims’ families and commentaries from defense or prosecutors. Please tell me which angle you prefer.
Citations:
- Execution timing and confirmation of May 20, 2026 date.[4][3]
- Background on charges and 2002 attack.[2][1]
- Local confirmation of the execution proceeding and notes on the aftermath.[9]