USA - Arizona. The Arizona Supreme Court threw out the death penalty against Aaron Brian Gunches

The Arizona Supreme Court threw out the death penalty against Aaron Brian Gunches. The high court ruled that despite a jury's decision (see Feb. 14, 2008), the prosecution did not prove the aggravating factors necessary to impose a death sentence. The case was sent back to Maricopa County Superior Court for another trial on the penalty. Aaron Brian Gunches' convictions for murder and kidnapping will stand. Gunches, 39, white, was convicted of murdering Ted Price on Nov. 14, 2002 after Price argued with his ex-wife. He pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and kidnapping.