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Utah Judge Schedules Sept. 5 Firing Squad Execution for Inmate With Dementia

A July 23 hearing will assess a petition for a new evaluation of Menzies’s dementia to determine his understanding of the execution.

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Jasmine North, federal public defender mitigation investigator, speaks with Ralph Leroy Menzies, during his competency hearing in Third District Court in West Jordan, Utah, on Monday, Nov 18, 2024.
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Overview

  • Ralph Leroy Menzies was convicted in 1988 for abducting and murdering Maurine Hunsaker and selected a firing squad when Utah offered execution method choices in 2004.
  • In June Judge Matthew Bates ruled that Menzies “consistently and rationally” understands why he is facing execution despite his advancing cognitive decline.
  • Defense attorneys contend Menzies now requires a wheelchair and continuous oxygen support and have filed for a fresh competency exam at the upcoming hearing.
  • If carried out, the execution would make Menzies only the sixth U.S. prisoner put to death by firing squad since 1977 and Utah’s first since 2010.
  • The Utah Attorney General’s Office has voiced full confidence in the decision and the defense has signaled plans to pursue appeals and clemency options.