PHOENIX — Richard Kenneth Djerf, who was convicted of murdering four members of a Phoenix family over 30 years ago, was executed on Friday, becoming the second individual to receive capital punishment in Arizona this year. Djerf, 55, was put to death via pentobarbital injection at the Arizona State Prison Complex in Florence.
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell released a statement reflecting on the gravity of Djerf’s crimes. “There are some crimes so unspeakable, so devoid of humanity, that justice demands the ultimate punishment,” she remarked. “This is that case. Richard Djerf is a prime example of why the death penalty exists.” She emphasized that the execution served as a form of closure for the families affected, particularly the only surviving son and the extended Luna family who have been burdened by the tragedy for decades.
Djerf had pleaded guilty to the murders of Albert Luna Sr., Patricia Luna, their daughter Rochelle, 18, and son Damien, 5, at their home on September 14, 1993. He had been imprisoned for nearly 30 years and opted not to seek clemency prior to his execution.
Prosecutors revealed that Djerf’s motive stemmed from a personal vendetta against Albert Luna Jr., whom he believed was responsible for a theft of electronics from his apartment. Djerf’s revenge plot culminated in a horrific attack, which included sexual assault and multiple homicides.
During the execution, a team comprising medical professionals administered the lethal injection, which has faced scrutiny in Arizona due to previous complications in execution procedures. Concerns were raised in 2014 when a botched execution led to a prolonged and distressing death for the inmate. Following the backlash, Arizona had paused executions for nearly eight years due to difficulties in securing necessary drugs and public criticism of its execution methods.
Executions resumed in 2022, and three individuals were executed that year, although the state temporarily halted them again in early 2023 following a review of its capital punishment protocols ordered by Governor Katie Hobbs. Djerf’s execution marks a critical moment as it reflects the ongoing tension surrounding the use of the death penalty in Arizona, where 108 inmates currently remain on death row.
This execution, while tragic, brings a somber sense of closure to the families affected by Djerf’s crimes and adds to the ongoing national conversation about the use and morality of capital punishment. The cycle of violence and its repercussions remind society of the profound impact such acts can have on communities.