Holmberg's Morning Sickness - Arizona Episode: Troy Hayden Calls In To Tell Us How Yesterday's Execution Went And What It's Like Covering Such A Polarizing Topic
Release Date: March 20, 2025

Introduction of Guest: Troy Hayden from Channel 12

In the March 20, 2025 episode of Holmberg's Morning Sickness on 98 KUPD, host John Holmberg welcomes Troy Hayden, a seasoned reporter from Channel 12. Troy joins the conversation to provide an in-depth perspective on covering executions—a topic that is both sensitive and highly polarizing.

Troy Hayden's Work and Daily Schedule

Troy begins by outlining his daily routine, emphasizing the structured nature of his job. He mentions attending a remote morning meeting at 9:30 AM, followed by reporting duties throughout the day, including a 4 PM show, a 5 PM segment, and a 6 PM report before heading home. Troy highlights the balance he has achieved by shifting away from night shifts, allowing him to maintain an early bedtime and rise early for work.

Troy Hayden [01:37]: "I'm not doing nights anymore, which is nice. Well, I'm home at about 7:30, have dinner and yeah, hit the sack."

Detailed Account of a Recent Execution

Troy provides a comprehensive account of the recent execution he covered, detailing the procedural aspects and the emotional atmosphere within the execution chamber.

• Execution Chamber Setup:
  • The chamber is described as compact, roughly the size of a child's bedroom ( [03:01] ).
  • Troy observes the presence of Attorney General Chris Mays and County Attorney Rachel Mitchell among the witnesses.
  • The setup includes three closed-circuit TV monitors displaying overhead views of the condemned, Aaron Gunch, laid out on a rectangular table with prepared syringes.

Troy Hayden [04:17]: "You can see the syringes. Yeah, they're laid out."

• Execution Process:
  • Troy notes the efficiency of the process, with the execution commencing promptly after the necessary preparations.
  • He recounts Aaron Gunch's demeanor, describing him as subdued and unresisting, which adds to the eerie atmosphere of the event.

Troy Hayden [04:14]: "And you can see the syringes. Yeah, they're laid out."

Emotional and Psychological Insights

Troy delves into the psychological state of both the condemned and the witnesses, offering a rare glimpse into the emotional complexities of executions.

• Condemned's Perspective:
  • Aaron Gunch appeared calm, continuously gazing at the ceiling without displaying signs of panic or distress.
  • Troy speculates whether sedation played a role in his subdued state.

John Holmberg [06:37]: "Was it a little surprising that he was so subdued?"

Troy Hayden [06:37]: "He was, his eyes were blinking super fast. His mouth was cotton. You could tell he was under the influence of some sort of a sedative."

• Witness Reactions:
  • The presence of multiple reporters aims to ensure unbiased coverage.
  • Troy recounts correcting inaccuracies during the post-execution press conference, emphasizing the importance of factual reporting over personal bias.

Troy Hayden [15:01]: "Sometimes I think they're just looking for stuff."

Troy's Experience with Body Recovery

Beyond covering executions, Troy shares his background in body recovery operations, highlighting his hands-on experience with law enforcement agencies.

• Canal Recovery Mission:
  • Troy narrates a harrowing experience of recovering a body from a canal, detailing the procedural safety measures and the emotional toll it took on him.

Troy Hayden [12:31]: "You have to go through all these different safety protocols where you've got a whole team on the other side of the body. Down, down canal."

• Emotional Impact:
  • Despite the emotional challenges, Troy finds value in his work, gaining insights that enhance his reporting.

Troy Hayden [13:50]: "Every single one of my edgy stories, I get a flash in my stomach... But then when you're done, you're like, I'm really glad I did it."

Discussion on Media Coverage and Bias

The conversation shifts to the role of media in covering executions, with a focus on maintaining objectivity and avoiding bias.

• Ensuring Fair Reporting:
  • Troy emphasizes the necessity of multiple reporters to provide a balanced perspective.
  • He stresses that his role is to deliver accurate information, allowing viewers to form their own opinions on capital punishment.

Troy Hayden [16:44]: "Local news has no room for political or ideological bias. We need to be straight down the middle."

• Challenges in Reporting:
  • Addressing discrepancies in witness testimonies, Troy explains how he maintains integrity by correcting misinformation during live broadcasts.

Perspectives on the Death Penalty and Execution Methods

Troy offers his candid opinions on the death penalty, discussing its implementation and potential alternatives.

• Current Execution Methods:
  • He critiques the current methods, mentioning the inefficiency and inhumane aspects compared to alternatives like the firing squad.

Troy Hayden [25:20]: "Firing squad, by the way, statistically, is the only method of execution that has never failed."

• Legislative Changes:
  • Troy discusses ongoing legislative efforts in Arizona to reintroduce the firing squad as a preferred method of execution, citing its reliability.

Troy Hayden [25:20]: "There's a bill in the legislature... Firing squad... it's the most humane."

Interactions with Family Members of Victims

Troy shares his interactions with family members of victims, shedding light on the lasting impact of executions on their lives.

• Karen Price's Testimony:
  • Karen Price, sister of the victim Ted Price, expresses that the execution did not bring closure, highlighting the enduring pain and loss experienced by families.

Troy Hayden [18:42]: "Karen Price... a hole in their family that opened up in 2002 when her brother was murdered... it will never be filled."

• Seeking Closure:
  • Another witness conveys that legal closure does not translate to personal healing, underscoring the complex emotions tied to the death penalty.

Final Thoughts and Reflections

As the episode winds down, John Holmberg reflects on Troy's invaluable insights, acknowledging the professionalism and dedication required to cover such challenging topics.

John Holmberg [22:43]: "Consummate professional. Thanks, man. Have a great day."

Troy reiterates his commitment to fair and accurate reporting, encouraging listeners to tune into Channel 12 for unbiased news.

Troy Hayden [27:46]: "I love being over at 12 News. They got some good stuff over there."

Conclusion

This episode offers a profound exploration of the complexities involved in covering executions, through the experienced lens of Troy Hayden. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the procedural intricacies, emotional challenges, and ethical considerations that shape media coverage of capital punishment.

Notable Quotes:

• Troy Hayden [06:37]: "He was... under the influence of some sort of a sedative."
• Troy Hayden [15:01]: "Sometimes I think they're just looking for stuff."
• Troy Hayden [25:20]: "Firing squad... it's the only method of execution that has never failed."
• Karen Price [18:42]: "There's a hole in their family that opened up in 2002... it will never be filled."

For more engaging discussions and insights, tune in to Holmberg's Morning Sickness weekdays from 5:30 AM to 10 AM on 98 KUPD or visit www.98kupd.com.