Arizona Set to Execute Richard Djerf in Notorious 1993 Phoenix Quadruple Murder Case

Richard Kenneth Djerf, convicted in 1993 of murdering four members of a Phoenix family, is set to be executed in Arizona. The Arizona Attorney General’s Office submitted a request to the state’s Supreme Court on Thursday to initiate the process for issuing a death warrant, with the execution anticipated to occur between late August and early September.

Attorney General Kris Mayes affirmed the continued public support for the death penalty in Arizona, stating, “My job is to carry it out.” This commitment marks a notable enforcement of execution laws under her administration.

Although traditionally a Republican stance, Mayes, a Democrat, is dedicated to executing death row sentences. However, she remains tight-lipped about subsequent executions after Djerf, who joins 22 other inmates with exhausted appeals.

Djerf’s selection was anticipated by defense attorneys prior to the announcement. In April, Maricopa County Attorney Rachell Mitchell mentioned him during a press briefing, drawing immediate media attention to his case.

Mayes is implementing specific criteria to prioritize upcoming executions, including factors such as the severity of the crime and the duration victims have awaited justice. This systematic approach is reportedly unprecedented for an attorney general in Arizona.

The crimes committed by Djerf are notorious. In 1993, he killed the mother, father, and their five-year-old son, in addition to raping and killing their teenage daughter. This heinous act aligns with the U.S. Supreme Court’s directive that the death penalty be reserved for the most egregious offenses.

Currently 55, Djerf exhibits no disciplinary infractions in prison. Former associates recall him as mild-mannered, contrasting sharply with his criminal actions. Despite his initial remorse, the gravity of his crimes overshadowed any expressions of guilt during the trial.

Djerf’s troubled youth included minor arrests; however, these did not foreshadow the violence he would later unleash. Following a theft of his belongings, his revenge led to the horrific events of September 1993, when he held the Luna family hostage.

After forcing them to load possessions into their car, he terrorized and ultimately killed them using brutal methods. He later fled the scene, attempting to present himself as a victim of robbery.

Arrested days later, Djerf confessed to the murders and opted for a guilty plea, facing multiple charges. His sentencing was severe, as aggravating circumstances justified a death sentence on four counts.

A moratorium on executions was declared by Governor Katie Hobbs in early 2023, citing previous issues with execution protocols, halting a series of pending death warrants.

Previous attempts to analyze lethal injection methods led to scrutiny and the firing of a commissioner who reported flaws in Arizona’s procedure. Meanwhile, calls for new warrants emerged as county attorneys pressed for action against death row inmates.

Mayes emphasizes her commitment to uphold legal statutes while acknowledging the complexities surrounding the death penalty. “I try to put myself in the shoes of someone who has lost a loved one,” she stated, underscoring the long-lasting trauma faced by victims’ families.

As Arizona prepares for Djerf’s execution, the ongoing debate regarding the death penalty and its implications for justice remains a poignant issue in the state. “It’s the end of a chapter in a book that goes on forever,” Mayes concluded, reflecting on the enduring impact of such decisions.