SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — After nearly 40 years on death row, an application for a death warrant has been requested for Ralph Menzies, convicted of kidnapping and killing Maurine Hunsaker in 1988. Maurine’s son, Matt Hunsaker, has dedicated a significant part of his life to seeking justice for his mother, and now, as Menzies’ execution nears, he and his family are hopeful that closure may finally be within reach.
For Matt Hunsaker, February 25, 1986, marked a turning point in his life, as his mother was tragically kidnapped from a gas station in Kearns, an event that forever altered the trajectory of their lives. Her body was later discovered tied to a tree near Storm Mountain, a victim of strangulation and a slit throat. For Matt, the impending death of Menzies represents the possibility of closing a painful chapter in their lives and finally moving forward.
While Menzies has filed numerous appeals over the years to avoid execution, Matt Hunsaker believes that he may be running out of legal options, expressing hope that his family’s fight for justice may soon come to an end. The Hunsaker family has endured 38 years of legal battles, never anticipating such a prolonged process. Matt emphasizes the emotional toll this ordeal has taken on their family, underscoring the countless moments and milestones that Maurine has missed out on over the years.
As the process for execution progresses, Matt Hunsaker admits to feeling apprehensive but also emphasizes the desire for closure, expressing the family’s emotional journey and the complex, morally challenging process of witnessing another person’s life being taken. Despite the difficult emotions involved, Matt is steadfast in his pursuit of justice for his mother, reflecting on the profound impact of her tragic passing at a young age.
Menzies’ decision to opt for death by firing squad adds another layer of complexity to the situation, underscoring the gravity of the impending execution. With the application for the death warrant now filed, the process moves forward, and a hearing will be convened before a judge can sign the warrant, marking a pivotal step toward potential closure for the Hunsaker family.