Attorney General Pushes for Execution of Man Convicted in 1993 Phoenix Family Murder

PHOENIX — Attorney General Kris Mayes has initiated the process to secure a warrant of execution for Richard Djerf, currently on death row for the 1993 murder of a family of four.

On Thursday, Mayes confirmed the scheduling of this warrant with the Arizona Supreme Court. Her commitment stems from a belief in the importance of justice for victims.

“I will continue to enforce the death penalty because it is the law in Arizona and victims deserve justice,” she stated firmly.

The brutal nature of the crimes perpetrated by Djerf left a profound impact on Arizona. Acting on a quest for revenge linked to a past burglary, Djerf disguised himself as a flower delivery man to access the Luna family’s home.

Inside, he found not the intended target, Albert Luna Jr., but his mother and younger brother, aged five. Djerf proceeded to bind them. When Albert’s 18-year-old sister arrived, he sexually assaulted and then fatally stabbed her.

Albert Luna Sr. met a similar fate upon his arrival; Djerf assaulted him with a baseball bat before shooting him. The gruesome discovery of the scene was made by Albert Luna Jr.

Mayes emphasized, “The heinous murders by Richard Djerf of the Luna family, including their 5-year-old son, shock the conscience. Their loved ones have waited 32 years to see justice served. My office is committed to upholding the rule of law and standing with victims who have endured unimaginable loss.”