PHOENIX (AP) — Aaron Brian Gunches, a prisoner on Arizona's death row, is making headlines by requesting the state's Supreme Court to expedite his execution, challenging the timeline set by authorities.

In a handwritten court filing, Gunches asked for his execution to be scheduled for mid-February, relating to his conviction for the murder of Ted Price in 2002. This request symbolizes a significant moment as it aligns with Arizona's resumption of the death penalty following a two-year pause aimed at reviewing execution procedures.

In his application, Gunches argued that his death sentence is "long overdue," accusing the state of unnecessary delays in setting up a legal briefing schedule needed for his execution. He previously filed a motion in November 2022 to issue a death warrant, indicating a desire for justice to be served and closure for the victim's family. However, he withdrew that request earlier this year after expressing concerns regarding the execution methods, labeling them as potentially torturous.

Attorney General Kris Mayes' office supports Gunches' execution, stating that proper execution protocols must be established to verify compliance with legal requirements, particularly concerning the testing of pentobarbital, the drug intended for use in his lethal injection.

Gunches was initially scheduled for execution in April 2023, but Governor Katie Hobbs’ office revealed that there were insufficient qualified personnel to oversee the execution process at that time. Hobbs, a Democrat, has asserted her commitment to not conducting any executions until the state can ensure that all legal and procedural obligations are met. She had undertaken a review of execution methods, which was concluded in November when she dismissed the federal magistrate judge who was overseeing the inquiry.

With 111 inmates currently on death row, Arizona has been under scrutiny for its execution methods, especially following a 2014 incident that was widely criticized as botched. The state has faced challenges in acquiring necessary drugs, leading to delays and public outcry regarding the ethical implications of the death penalty process.

For more details, visit CBS News.