Killer's final four-words before being executed for 'especially cruel' murder

Arizona executed convicted murderer Leroy Dean McGill by lethal injection on Wednesday for the 2002 killing of a man who was set alight inside a Phoenix flat, in what prosecutors described as an "especially cruel" attack.

McGill, 63, was pronounced dead at 10:26 a.m. MST on Wednesday, marking the state's first execution of 2026.

Authorities revealed that McGill doused Charles Perez and Perez's girlfriend, Nova Banta, with petrol as they sat on a sofa inside a flat, before setting the fuel alight with a match. Perez died from his injuries, while Banta survived the attack with severe burns.

Prosecutors stated that McGill accused the couple of stealing a gun before carrying out the brutal assault. A further individual present in the flat escaped injury and assisted Banta after the fire broke out. McGill was convicted on a series of charges in October 2004, following less than an hour of jury deliberation.

These convictions included murder for the death of Perez and attempted murder for the assault on Banta. He was additionally found guilty of arson and endangering residents who were forced to flee both the flat and an adjacent unit as the flames spread, though all escaped unharmed.

Despite compelling evidence presented by McGill's legal team concerning the abuse he endured during childhood, alongside his mental impairment and psychological immaturity, the jury ultimately handed down the death sentence.

Having exhausted all avenues of appeal in 2022, Arizona issued a warrant for his execution earlier this year.

Deputy Director John Marcello of the Arizona Department of Corrections addressed the press conference, confirming that, "Today, by order of the Arizona Supreme Court, the state of Arizona carried out the death sentence of Leroy McGill by means of lethal injection at the Arizona State Prison Complex here in Florence."

He further revealed that, "Mr. McGill's last meal included onion rings, bread and butter, chocolate cake, cottage pie, and a green salad."

Marcello added, "Mr. McGill elected to have a spiritual advisor in the room with him during this process."

Josh Kelety of the Associated Press also took to the podium, disclosing that during his final words, McGill said, "I'm going home soon."

Kelety went on to provide a more detailed account, stating, "At 10:13, I observed deep breaths. At 10:13, he made what sounded like a snoring sound. At 10:13, the second green went in, and at 10:14, the snoring sound went silent."

When questioned by reporters, Kelety said, "I can't speak to whether or not he experienced pain." He also noted that "some individuals appeared to be crying" in the room, though he was unable to confirm their identities.

The execution represented Arizona's first in the current year. The state recommenced executions in 2022 following an eight-year hiatus linked to challenges securing lethal injection drugs and scrutiny over a protracted 2014 execution.

Arizona presently has over 100 prisoners on death row.