Arizona carried out the execution of Richard Kenneth Djerf on Friday morning, closing the chapter on one of the state’s most infamous murder cases that haunted Phoenix for over three decades. Djerf, convicted of the brutal 1993 slaying of four members of the Luna family, was executed by lethal injection at 10:40 a.m. at the Arizona State Prison Complex-Florence.
A Crime That Shook Phoenix
The details of Djerf’s crime remain chilling even after 30 years. Prosecutors say Djerf, obsessed with revenge over a theft he blamed on Albert Luna Jr., entered the Luna family home under the guise of delivering flowers. Once inside, he sexually assaulted 17-year-old Rochelle Luna, slashed her throat, beat and stabbed Albert Luna Sr., and tied Patricia Luna and five-year-old Damien to kitchen chairs before fatally shooting them.
Djerf later admitted to the murders, pleading guilty to four counts of first-degree murder in 1995. The court found the crimes to be “especially heinous, cruel, or depraved,” citing factors such as financial gain, multiple victims, and the murder of a child under 15.
The Road to Execution
After exhausting all appeals by 2020, Djerf’s fate was sealed when the Arizona Supreme Court issued a warrant for his execution earlier this year. In a handwritten note, Djerf stated he would not seek clemency, writing,
“If I can’t find reason to spare my life, what reason would anyone else have? I hope my death brings some measure of peace.”Arizona Attorney General’s Office, which sought the execution warrant, declined to comment on Djerf’s final statement.
Witnessing the End
Reporters and witnesses described the execution as proceeding “according to plan,” with the IV process beginning at 10:04 a.m. and death pronounced at 10:40 a.m.. Djerf’s execution marks the second use of the death penalty in Arizona this year, following the execution of Aaron Brian Gunches in March.
Community Reaction and Legal Context
The case reignited debate over capital punishment in Arizona, especially after Governor Katie Hobbs paused executions in 2023. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office cited Djerf’s case as a “prime example of why the death penalty exists,” underscoring the severity of his crimes.
After Djerf’s execution, Arizona’s death row population stands at 107 inmates, including three women.
What’s Next for Arizona’s Death Penalty?
With Djerf’s execution, Arizona continues to grapple with the complexities of capital punishment. Legal experts note that under state law, once all appeals are exhausted, the Supreme Court must issue a warrant when requested by the State. The debate over the death penalty’s future in Arizona remains active, especially as more executions are scheduled in the coming months.
Takeaways
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Richard Djerf’s execution closes a decades-long case that deeply affected Phoenix.-
The Luna family’s tragic story continues to shape Arizona’s death penalty debate.-
Legal and ethical questions about capital punishment remain front and center as the state moves forward.
Sources
1. Richard Djerf executed for murdering Phoenix family of four in 1993
2. Latest News – Death Penalty News and Updates - People.SMU
3. Richard Djerf executed for murdering Phoenix family of four in 1993
4. Arizona to execute Richard Djerf for 1993 quadruple murder of ...
5. Richard Djerf: FOX 10's John Hook witnesses his execution - YouTube
6. News Flash • Maricopa County Attorney's Office, AZ • CivicEn
7. azcentral.com and The Arizona Republic: Phoenix and Arizona News
