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Richard Djerf executed for killing 4 in AZ
Decades following a brutal act that killed four members of a Phoenix family, the state has executed Richard Djerf, the man responsible for the murders. FOX 10's Kenzie Beach reports.
PHOENIX - An Arizona death-row inmate has been executed.
According to a statement released by the Arizona Department of Corrections, Richard Djerf was declared dead at 10:40 a.m., and the process "went according to plan and without incident."
What Officials Said:
Officials with Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell issued a statement on the execution of Richard Djerf, calling the day "a day of final justice."
"May this bring them some measure of finality," read a portion of the statement.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes also commented on the matter during a news conference that took place after Djerf was executed.
"The death penalty is the law of Arizona. We must recognize the seriousness and the solemnness of taking a life," AG Mayes said. "Today should be about the members of the Luna family. Those four innocent victims deserve justice, and their loved ones deserve closure."
Dig deeper:
Djerf entered the execution room in all white, wearing black flip-flops, as the curtains opened to a standing room-only witness gallery.
"When asked if he would like to provide any last words, Mr. Djerf said, and I quote, I do not," said John Barcello, the Deputy Director of the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry (ADCRR).
FOX 10's John Hook was one of the witnesses to Djerf's execution.
"IVs were put in and removed several times. I counted four. They were having a really difficult time finding a suitable vein," said Hook. "To be honest with you, this was very quick. I detected heavy breathing and grunts. About two minutes later, he looked sedated, his mouth slightly agape. His eyes were closed. No movement, no breathing. Motionless by 10:32."
Who was Richard Djerf?
Richard Djerf was convicted of killing a Valley family of four in 1993. His execution was the second in Arizona this year. In March, Aaron Gunches was put to death.
The backstory:
According to Djerf's entry on the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry's website for death row inmates, Djerf killed four people: Albert Luna Sr., Patricia Luna, Damien Luna, and Rochelle Luna. Damien was five when he died.
The incident happened on Sept. 14, 1993. Per the ADCRR, Djerf forced himself into the Luna resident at gunpoint, and proceeded to tie and gag Patricia and Damien before the two were ultimately killed. Rochelle and Albert Sr. returned home after Djerf forced himself into the home, and both were killed by Djerf as well.
READ: Phoenix Police Department's report on Djerf
In filings related to the state's request to execute Djerf, it was stated that Djerf pleaded guilty to four counts of first degree murder in 1995, but legal battles related to Djerf's case continued for years, until 2020.
Richard Djerf: What to know about the Arizona man executed for murdering 4 members of a family
Richard Djerf has become the second Arizona death row inmate to be executed in 2025. Here's what to know about the man who murdered four members of a Phoenix area family decades ago.
The Source: Information for this story was gathered from the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry, and a FOX 10 report on Oct. 3, 2025.