Convicted inmate executed for setting man on fire

An Arizona inmate convicted of setting a man on fire during a deadly 2002 attack was executed Wednesday, marking the state’s first execution of 2026 and one of three scheduled executions taking place across the United States this week.

Leroy Dean McGill, 63, was pronounced dead at 10:26 a.m. PDT following a lethal injection at the Arizona State Prison Complex in Florence. McGill had been sentenced to death for the murder of Charles Perez, who died after McGill allegedly threw gasoline on him and his girlfriend before igniting them inside a Phoenix apartment.

According to authorities, the attack occurred on July 13, 2002 after Perez and his girlfriend, Nova Banta, accused McGill of stealing a gun from the apartment. Prosecutors said McGill, who had reportedly been using methamphetamine and had not slept for several days, suddenly doused the couple in gasoline while they sat on a couch and set them on fire.

Perez later died in extreme pain at a hospital, while Banta survived despite suffering third-degree burns over approximately 75 percent of her body.

Witnesses to Wednesday’s execution said the procedure appeared to go smoothly. Arizona prison officials noted there were no issues inserting IV lines, a point of criticism during previous executions in the state.

After receiving a lethal dose of pentobarbital, McGill reportedly began breathing heavily and made snoring sounds before eventually losing consciousness. Officials said he did not resist at any point during the execution.

Arizona Department of Corrections Deputy Director John Barcello stated the execution “went according to plan.” According to Barcello, McGill’s final words were: “I just want to thank everyone for being so accommodating and nice.”

Media witnesses also reported hearing McGill say, “I’m going home soon,” before the execution began.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said her thoughts remained with the victims and their families.

McGill was convicted in October 2004 after jurors deliberated for less than an hour. In addition to murder, he was found guilty of attempted murder, arson and endangerment charges connected to the apartment fire.

Defense attorneys had argued for leniency during sentencing, citing McGill’s abusive childhood, mental impairment and psychological immaturity. However, jurors ultimately returned a death sentence.

In recent months, McGill’s attorneys unsuccessfully attempted to have him resentenced. Both a lower court and the Arizona Supreme Court denied requests to halt or delay the execution. McGill also waived his right to seek clemency.

Wednesday’s execution marked the 12th execution carried out in the United States so far this year. Executions are also scheduled this week in Tennessee and Florida.

Arizona resumed executions in 2022 after an eight-year pause brought on by controversy surrounding execution procedures and difficulties obtaining lethal injection drugs. The state currently houses 108 inmates on death row.