Leory Dean McGill had set two people on fireDeath row prisoner disturbed with his last sentence

Leroy Dean McGill irritates with his chosen last meal

Leroy Dean McGill, who doused a couple with gasoline and brutally set them on fire in 2002, was executed on May 20, 2026 at the Arizona State Prison Complex, according to the online news portal of the TV station FOX 10 Phoenix. The sentence for the murder of Charles Perez and the severe burning of his girlfriend was carried out with a lethal injection – McGill was pronounced dead at 10:26 a.m. local time.

Before that, however, the person condemned to death was allowed to eat his executioner's meal. As FOX 10 Phoenix exclusively reports, unlike the lavish feasts of other death row inmates, this one consisted of an unusual combination: Onion rings, bread with butter, a piece of chocolate cake and a green salad are said to have ended up on McGill's plate.

“I'm going home soon” – this murderer smiles before his execution

But it wasn't just the last meal that caused a stir: According to the New York Post, the death row inmate was said to have had a smile on his face before his execution and even nodded to some of the witnesses presentincluding an Associated Press reporter. He is also said to have heard the words “I’m going home soon” from the murderer.

Leroy Dean McGill then used his last moments to actually show himself grateful: “I would like to thank everyone who was so accommodating and kindThe death row inmate is said to have said, according to the deputy director of the Arizona Department of Corrections, as reported by the New York Post. He was pronounced dead 21 minutes after the lethal injection was administered.

Reading tip: Murder trial of Fabian (†8) from Güstrow: Grandma doesn't want to know what happened to her grandson!

Video tip: Suspected contract murder! Young person has to go to court

Leroy Dean McGill burned a couple alive

The crime that earned Leroy Dean McGill the death penalty occurred back in July 2002: In an apartment in north Phoenix, McGill poured gasoline on Charles Perez and his girlfriend Nova Banta. He finally set the two people on fire with a match — a “particularly cruel” act according to prosecutors, FOX 10 Phoenix reports.

Reading tip: More attacks on politicians in Lower Saxony! Which steps are important now according to the police chief?

Investigators said McGill even bragged about intentionally mixing the gasoline with Styrofoam. His goal was to create a sticky mixture that would stick to victims and burn more intensely, according to FOX 10 Phoenix. Charles Perez died from his injuries a day after the brutal attack. His girlfriend Nova Banta survived, but was seriously injured.

McGill was found guilty of several charges after his arson attack: endangerment, arson, and first-degree murder and attempted murder – but it wasn't until two decades later that the murderer was executed.

Sources used: New York Post, Fox 10 Phoenix