News Summary
Richard Kenneth Djerf, sentenced to death for the 1993 murders of four members of the Luna family, was executed by lethal injection in Arizona. The execution followed previous delays due to difficulties in finding a vein and raised ongoing concerns about the state’s execution protocols. Djerf expressed remorse shortly before his death and hoped his execution might bring peace to the victims’ families. The case underscores the continued use of the death penalty in Arizona amid criticism.
Arizona executed Richard Kenneth Djerf on Friday at 10:40 a.m. by lethal injection at the Arizona State Prison Complex in Florence. Djerf, 55, had been sentenced to death for the 1993 murders of four members of the Luna family: Albert Luna Sr., Patricia Luna, their daughter Rochelle (18), and son Damien (5). This execution marked Arizona’s second use of the death penalty in 2025, following the execution of Aaron Brian Gunches in March for a separate murder committed in 2002.
The execution process was not without complications, as a team of four technicians struggled to find a suitable vein for the lethal injection, leading to significant delays. Djerf was pronounced dead approximately six minutes after the drugs were administered. Prior to the execution, he expressed remorse for his actions but chose not to seek clemency. Djerf had stated that his motivation for the murders stemmed from a desire for revenge against Albert Luna Jr. over a prior theft of his belongings.
Details of the Crime
The horrific crimes took place on September 14, 1993, when Djerf entered the Luna family’s home under the guise of delivering flowers. Once inside, he assaulted Rochelle and murdered the family members through various means, including beating them with a bat and shooting them. Following the murders, Djerf attempted to set the house on fire. Albert Luna Jr., the sole survivor of the family, discovered the brutal scene upon returning home.
Sentencing and Legal Proceedings
Djerf was arrested shortly after the killings and pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder in 1995. The judge placed no limits on his sentencing, resulting in the death penalty. The crime was characterized by Maricopa County authorities as one of the most heinous they had ever encountered, highlighting the depraved nature of the actions taken by Djerf.
The state of Arizona has faced longstanding criticism regarding its lethal injection protocols, particularly following several botched executions due to difficulties with intravenous access. Djerf’s execution comes after a nearly eight-year hiatus on the death penalty in the state, during which the execution methods were revised to address these criticisms.
Final Moments
Before his execution, Djerf requested a last meal that consisted of a double cheeseburger, onion rings, cherry pie, and a Pepsi. When asked if he had anything final to say, Djerf simply responded, “I do not.” In a note he left prior to his execution, he expressed a hope that his death might bring some measure of peace to the grieving Luna family.
Aftermath and Current Death Row Statistics
Following the execution, the Arizona Attorney General’s Office issued a statement affirming its commitment to providing justice and closure for the victims’ families. In the wake of Djerf’s execution, there are now 107 inmates remaining on death row in Arizona.
Overall, Richard Djerf’s execution not only signifies the state’s renewed commitment to the death penalty but also raises ongoing questions about the methods and implications of capital punishment in Arizona.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- AZFamily
- Wikipedia: Capital Punishment in the United States
- ABC News
- Google Search: Arizona Death Penalty
- AZCentral
- Google Scholar: Capital Punishment and Death Penalty
- KTAR
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Death Penalty
- Cleveland.com
- Google News: Richard Djerf Execution
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
