Richard Djerf
Mass Murder Case
CLASSIFICATION: Mass Murder
LOCATION
Arizona, U.S.
TIME PERIOD
September 14, 1993
VICTIMS
4 confirmed
On September 14, 1993, Richard Kenneth Djerf executed a brutal attack on the Luna family in their home located in Arizona, resulting in the deaths of four family members. Djerf, motivated by revenge for a previous robbery committed by Albert Luna Jr., entered the residence armed with a 9mm Beretta pistol and a baseball bat, initially taking Patricia and Damien Luna hostage. After torturing and killing their daughter Rochelle, he subsequently attacked Albert Luna Sr. upon his return home, ultimately killing him as well. Djerf was apprehended on September 18, 1993, convicted of four counts of first-degree murder, sentenced to death on May 22, 1996, and executed by lethal injection on October 17, 2025. Significant evidence included eyewitness accounts, forensic analysis of the crime scene, and Djerf's own confession detailing the events leading up to the murders.
Richard Djerf's motive for the mass murder of the Luna family is believed to stem from a desire for revenge after a previous robbery committed by Albert Luna Jr., which Djerf felt was inadequately addressed by the police. Some speculate that Djerf's history as a loner and his frustrations with law enforcement contributed to his decision to take violent action. Additionally, there are theories suggesting that Djerf may have harbored deeper psychological issues that influenced his extreme response to the perceived injustice.
The Tragic Tale of Richard Djerf: Unraveling a Brutal Mass Murder
In the quiet city of Phoenix, Arizona, a chilling sequence of events unraveled on September 14, 1993, forever etching the name Richard Kenneth Djerf into the annals of American crime history. Born on November 6, 1969, in Phoenix, Djerf would become infamous for the heinous mass murder of the Luna family, a crime driven by revenge and culminating in his execution over three decades later.
A Friendship Turned Fatal
Richard Djerf, often described as a loner, harbored a growing resentment after a personal betrayal. In January 1993, Albert Luna Jr., a former friend and fellow night custodian at a Safeway supermarket, allegedly robbed Djerf's apartment, making off with electronic items, including a cassette player and an AK-47 rifle. Frustrated by what he perceived as police inaction, Djerf resolved to take matters into his own hands, plotting a chilling act of vengeance against the Luna family.
The Day of Reckoning
On that fateful September day, Djerf arrived at the Luna household, deceptively bearing flowers. Once inside, he brandished a 9mm Beretta pistol and forced Patricia Luna and her young son, Damien, into submission. Holding them hostage, he compelled Patricia to load household items into his car. With a chilling calm, he posed a horrifying question to Patricia: "Do you want your kid to die first, or do you want to die first?" He then bound and gagged them, awaiting the arrival of the rest of the family.
Rochelle Luna, the 18-year-old daughter, came home at 3:00 PM, only to be led to her bedroom where Djerf gagged, raped, and brutally stabbed her in the throat. In a heart-wrenching moment, he returned downstairs to inform Patricia of her daughter's murder.
When Albert Luna Sr. arrived around 4:00 PM, Djerf restrained him in his bedroom, bludgeoning him with an aluminum baseball bat. Believing him dead, Djerf returned to the kitchen, only for Albert Sr. to muster a last surge of strength, attacking Djerf with a pocket knife. In the ensuing struggle, Djerf shot Albert Sr. six times, before coldly executing Patricia and Damien with point-blank shots to the head.
A Grisly Aftermath
Before fleeing, Djerf attempted to destroy the evidence by dousing the crime scene in gasoline, setting a pizza box and rag on the stove burner in a failed arson attempt. He then sped away in the Luna family car, concocting a tale for his girlfriend about being robbed and stabbed by two men, a story he maintained during his hospital visit for treatment.
The Investigation Unfolds
The bodies lay undiscovered until the next day when Albert Luna Jr. arrived home late at night and called the police. Meanwhile, Djerf openly bragged about the murders to his girlfriend and others, describing the massacre as "really awesome." His arrogance led to a police report and his arrest on September 18, 1993. A search of his apartment, car, and motel room uncovered items stolen from the Lunas and the murder weapons.
Legal Proceedings and Appeals
Djerf's legal journey through the courts was as complex as it was long. He confessed to the murders and pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder on August 16, 1995, in hopes of avoiding the death penalty. Despite his plea, Judge Michael Ryan warned that execution remained a likely outcome, a prediction confirmed on May 22, 1996, when Djerf was sentenced to death.
His case, marked by a stubborn self-representation in court, became notable in legal circles. Djerf's insistence on firing his counsel and pleading guilty himself underscored a controversial aspect of self-representation in capital cases.
A Final Chapter
After years of appeals, the Arizona Supreme Court, followed by the U.S. Supreme Court, dismissed his claims. The legal wrangling continued, influenced by significant Supreme Court rulings like Ring v. Arizona and Schriro v. Summerlin, which delayed executions based on jury sentencing requirements.
By April 2021, Djerf had exhausted all legal avenues. Following the execution of Aaron Gunches in March 2025, speculation arose about Djerf's impending execution. Indeed, on May 22, 2025, the Arizona Attorney General requested an execution date, leading to Djerf's death warrant on August 19, 2025.
With a sense of resignation, Djerf penned a letter of apology in September 2025, refusing to seek clemency. On October 17, 2025, Richard Kenneth Djerf was executed by lethal injection, leaving behind a legacy of horror and a reminder of the devastating effects of revenge-fueled violence.
Sources
For further details, please refer to the original Wikipedia article on Richard Djerf.
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Luna Family Murdered
Richard Djerf murders four members of the Luna family in a revenge attack.
Djerf Arrested
Richard Djerf is arrested after confessing to the murders to his girlfriend.
Guilty Plea
Djerf pleads guilty to four counts of first-degree murder as part of a plea deal.
Sentenced to Death
Djerf is sentenced to death for the murders of the Luna family.
Execution Warrant Issued
The Arizona Supreme Court issues a warrant for Djerf's execution.
Appeals Dismissed
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirms the dismissal of Djerf's appeals.
Execution Date Requested
Arizona Attorney General requests an execution date for Djerf, 29 years after sentencing.
Execution Warrant Granted
The Arizona Supreme Court grants a warrant for Djerf's execution on October 17, 2025.
Djerf Executed
Richard Djerf is executed by lethal injection in Arizona.
On September 14, 1993, Richard Kenneth Djerf executed a brutal attack on the Luna family in their home located in Arizona, resulting in the deaths of four family members. Djerf, motivated by revenge for a previous robbery committed by Albert Luna Jr., entered the residence armed with a 9mm Beretta pistol and a baseball bat, initially taking Patricia and Damien Luna hostage. After torturing and killing their daughter Rochelle, he subsequently attacked Albert Luna Sr. upon his return home, ultimately killing him as well. Djerf was apprehended on September 18, 1993, convicted of four counts of first-degree murder, sentenced to death on May 22, 1996, and executed by lethal injection on October 17, 2025. Significant evidence included eyewitness accounts, forensic analysis of the crime scene, and Djerf's own confession detailing the events leading up to the murders.
Richard Djerf's motive for the mass murder of the Luna family is believed to stem from a desire for revenge after a previous robbery committed by Albert Luna Jr., which Djerf felt was inadequately addressed by the police. Some speculate that Djerf's history as a loner and his frustrations with law enforcement contributed to his decision to take violent action. Additionally, there are theories suggesting that Djerf may have harbored deeper psychological issues that influenced his extreme response to the perceived injustice.
The Tragic Tale of Richard Djerf: Unraveling a Brutal Mass Murder
In the quiet city of Phoenix, Arizona, a chilling sequence of events unraveled on September 14, 1993, forever etching the name Richard Kenneth Djerf into the annals of American crime history. Born on November 6, 1969, in Phoenix, Djerf would become infamous for the heinous mass murder of the Luna family, a crime driven by revenge and culminating in his execution over three decades later.
A Friendship Turned Fatal
Richard Djerf, often described as a loner, harbored a growing resentment after a personal betrayal. In January 1993, Albert Luna Jr., a former friend and fellow night custodian at a Safeway supermarket, allegedly robbed Djerf's apartment, making off with electronic items, including a cassette player and an AK-47 rifle. Frustrated by what he perceived as police inaction, Djerf resolved to take matters into his own hands, plotting a chilling act of vengeance against the Luna family.
The Day of Reckoning
On that fateful September day, Djerf arrived at the Luna household, deceptively bearing flowers. Once inside, he brandished a 9mm Beretta pistol and forced Patricia Luna and her young son, Damien, into submission. Holding them hostage, he compelled Patricia to load household items into his car. With a chilling calm, he posed a horrifying question to Patricia: "Do you want your kid to die first, or do you want to die first?" He then bound and gagged them, awaiting the arrival of the rest of the family.
Rochelle Luna, the 18-year-old daughter, came home at 3:00 PM, only to be led to her bedroom where Djerf gagged, raped, and brutally stabbed her in the throat. In a heart-wrenching moment, he returned downstairs to inform Patricia of her daughter's murder.
When Albert Luna Sr. arrived around 4:00 PM, Djerf restrained him in his bedroom, bludgeoning him with an aluminum baseball bat. Believing him dead, Djerf returned to the kitchen, only for Albert Sr. to muster a last surge of strength, attacking Djerf with a pocket knife. In the ensuing struggle, Djerf shot Albert Sr. six times, before coldly executing Patricia and Damien with point-blank shots to the head.
A Grisly Aftermath
Before fleeing, Djerf attempted to destroy the evidence by dousing the crime scene in gasoline, setting a pizza box and rag on the stove burner in a failed arson attempt. He then sped away in the Luna family car, concocting a tale for his girlfriend about being robbed and stabbed by two men, a story he maintained during his hospital visit for treatment.
The Investigation Unfolds
The bodies lay undiscovered until the next day when Albert Luna Jr. arrived home late at night and called the police. Meanwhile, Djerf openly bragged about the murders to his girlfriend and others, describing the massacre as "really awesome." His arrogance led to a police report and his arrest on September 18, 1993. A search of his apartment, car, and motel room uncovered items stolen from the Lunas and the murder weapons.
Legal Proceedings and Appeals
Djerf's legal journey through the courts was as complex as it was long. He confessed to the murders and pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder on August 16, 1995, in hopes of avoiding the death penalty. Despite his plea, Judge Michael Ryan warned that execution remained a likely outcome, a prediction confirmed on May 22, 1996, when Djerf was sentenced to death.
His case, marked by a stubborn self-representation in court, became notable in legal circles. Djerf's insistence on firing his counsel and pleading guilty himself underscored a controversial aspect of self-representation in capital cases.
A Final Chapter
After years of appeals, the Arizona Supreme Court, followed by the U.S. Supreme Court, dismissed his claims. The legal wrangling continued, influenced by significant Supreme Court rulings like Ring v. Arizona and Schriro v. Summerlin, which delayed executions based on jury sentencing requirements.
By April 2021, Djerf had exhausted all legal avenues. Following the execution of Aaron Gunches in March 2025, speculation arose about Djerf's impending execution. Indeed, on May 22, 2025, the Arizona Attorney General requested an execution date, leading to Djerf's death warrant on August 19, 2025.
With a sense of resignation, Djerf penned a letter of apology in September 2025, refusing to seek clemency. On October 17, 2025, Richard Kenneth Djerf was executed by lethal injection, leaving behind a legacy of horror and a reminder of the devastating effects of revenge-fueled violence.
Sources
For further details, please refer to the original Wikipedia article on Richard Djerf.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
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Luna Family Murdered
Richard Djerf murders four members of the Luna family in a revenge attack.
Djerf Arrested
Richard Djerf is arrested after confessing to the murders to his girlfriend.
Guilty Plea
Djerf pleads guilty to four counts of first-degree murder as part of a plea deal.
Sentenced to Death
Djerf is sentenced to death for the murders of the Luna family.
Execution Warrant Issued
The Arizona Supreme Court issues a warrant for Djerf's execution.
Appeals Dismissed
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirms the dismissal of Djerf's appeals.
Execution Date Requested
Arizona Attorney General requests an execution date for Djerf, 29 years after sentencing.
Execution Warrant Granted
The Arizona Supreme Court grants a warrant for Djerf's execution on October 17, 2025.
Djerf Executed
Richard Djerf is executed by lethal injection in Arizona.