PHOENIX, Ariz. — Nearly 23 years after the brutal murder of Ted Price in the Arizona desert, his killer, Aaron Gunches, was executed by lethal injection. Price was just 40 years old at the time of his death, a tragic event that nearly coincided with what would have been his 63rd birthday on March 19, the same day Gunches faced execution.
Ted Price, remembered by family as much more than a victim of a heinous crime, was a father, brother, and son, cherished by those who knew him best. His sister, Karen Price, who witnessed the execution, spoke of Ted’s unfulfilled dreams and the void his absence has left in the family. “Ted’s children, Brittney and Justin, were just teenagers when they lost their father,” Karen recounted. “They’ve now spent more than half their lives without him.”
Described as a charismatic individual with a zest for life, Ted had aspirations of becoming a radiology technician. He loved sports, music, and had a notable affection for cats. “He was always surrounded by music, whether playing his guitar or cheering on his favorite teams, the Phoenix Suns and the Arizona Diamondbacks,” Karen fondly reminisced.
The events leading to Ted’s death began unfolding when he found himself entangled in a dire situation involving his ex-girlfriend and her association with illegal activities. According to Karen, Ted had intended to stay with his ex-girlfriend temporarily. However, he returned to find the house transformed into a drug den, a sight that led him to threaten reporting the activities to authorities. The confrontation escalated, culminating in Ted being forcibly taken to the desert and fatally shot by Gunches on November 14, 2002.
“Ted was a man who stood by his principles, even in the face of dire consequences,” Karen expressed. “He died because he dared to intervene in a dangerous situation, a decision that ultimately cost him his life.”
For the Price family, the wounds of Ted’s untimely demise are profound, marked not only by their personal grief but also by the harsh reality of his absence during significant family milestones. “Ted never had the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle or see his son become a Marine,” said Karen, reflecting on the poignant moments missed.
The discovery of Ted’s body on December 10, 2002, 23 days after his murder, only added to the family’s agony—a reminder of the brutal end he met. Karen describes the execution of Gunches as a closure of sorts, though she admits that the path to healing is ongoing and fraught with difficulty.
As the Price family continues to navigate through their sorrow, they hold onto the memory of Ted—not just as a victim but as a loving father, a supportive brother, and a man of integrity. While the final chapter in Ted’s case may have concluded with Gunches’ execution, the journey of recovery and the quest for peace endure for those left behind.