The Diocese of Phoenix organized a prayer vigil at St. Mary’s Basilica in downtown Phoenix for a death row inmate.
Gunches, a death row inmate, set to be executed on Wednesday, March 19, by lethal injection.
The vigil, which took place at 6 p.m. and lasted an hour, was part of an effort by religious leaders to call for an end to the death penalty in the United States.
“Well, I think the Arizona Catholic Conference of Bishops, as well as our own bishops and our holy father, just emphasize that we first need to pray for victims. A crime has taken place and people have been suffering as a result of the loss of life. But, also recognizing that every person, no matter the crime they’ve committed, deserves a chance at redemption,” Father Estevan Wetzel, director of prison ministries for the Diocese of Phoenix, said.
Others who attended the vigil explained why they wanted to pray for Gunches.
“The reason I am here today is because, as a Catholic, I do believe that every single person’s life, no matter where they’re from or what they’re about, is of value and that’s from conception to natural death,” Jose Ryes said.
“I think it’s really important to pray for the individuals. We believe in the dignity of every person, and we certainly do not believe that having the death penalty is something that should be happening right now,” Maria Chavira said.
Wetzel says he’s praying for both Gunches and the victim’s loved ones.
“This is also part of the healing process, particularly what I’ll be praying for, and the faithful here are, first and foremost. The victims involved, those who lost a family member as well as for the person who will pass away tomorrow by the execution,” Father Wetzel said.
Gunches, 43, was convicted for the 2002 murder of his girlfriend’s ex-husband, Ted Price. Price’s body was discovered in a desert area, and further investigations linked Gunches to the crime. In addition, the following year, Gunches shot an Arizona DPS trooper twice. The bullet casings from the shooting matched those found near Price’s body.
Gunches was eventually arrested and pleaded guilty to kidnapping and killing Price and the attempted murder of the trooper.
As Gunches faces his execution, the vigil and prayers focus on both his case and the broader debate over the death penalty in America. The Diocese of Phoenix and other religious leaders have long advocated for the abolition of the death penalty.
