The Grim Tale of Richard Djerf: A Quest for Vengeance

On a scorching day in September 1993, the tranquility of an Arizona neighborhood was shattered by a heinous crime that left four members of the Luna family dead. The man behind this atrocity, Richard Kenneth Djerf, now languishes on death row, a grim testament to a violent vendetta gone horrifyingly wrong.

Background of a Loner

Born on November 6, 1969, in Phoenix, Arizona, Richard Kenneth Djerf was often characterized as a loner. This solitary existence transformed into a deadly resolve for revenge following a personal betrayal. Djerf and Albert Luna Jr. had once worked side by side as night custodians at a local Safeway supermarket, a friendship that would eventually turn sour. In January 1993, Albert Luna Jr. burgled Djerf's apartment, making off with a cassette player, an AK-47 rifle, and other electronic items. Despite reporting the crime to the police, Djerf felt justice had not been served, and thus, he plotted a chilling retribution.

The Murders

On September 14, 1993, Djerf arrived at the Luna household under the guise of delivering flowers. Once inside, he brandished a gun and took Patricia Luna and her son Damien hostage. Under duress, Patricia was forced to load various household items into Djerf's car, a prelude to the horror that would follow. In a chilling interrogation, Djerf asked Patricia if she preferred her life or her son's to be spared, all while demanding to know Albert Jr.'s whereabouts.

Bound and gagged, Patricia and Damien were helpless as Djerf awaited the arrival of other family members. Rochelle Luna, only 18, returned home around 3:00 PM. Djerf seized her, taking her to her bedroom where he gagged her with tissue and tape, raped her, and ended her life by stabbing her in the throat. He then descended to inform Patricia of her daughter's murder.

The nightmare continued when Albert Luna Sr. came home at 4:00 PM. Djerf subdued him with handcuffs and a baseball bat attack. Believing Albert Sr. dead, Djerf turned back to the kitchen. However, Albert Sr. regained consciousness and attacked Djerf with a pocket knife, wounding him. In retaliation, Djerf shot Albert Sr. six times with a 9mm Beretta pistol. He then forced Patricia to choose between watching her son die or having her son witness her death, ultimately shooting both Patricia and Damien in the head at close range.

Before fleeing, Djerf attempted to cover his tracks by dousing the house and the bodies in gasoline and setting up a failed arson attempt using the stove. He then fled in the Luna family car, concocting a tale for his girlfriend about being attacked by two men, even visiting the hospital for his self-inflicted knife wound.

Victims

The tragic victims of this senseless violence were:

• Rochelle Lynn Luna, 18
• Albert Beltran Luna, 47
• Patricia (née Valdez) Luna, 42
• Damien Javier Luna, 5

Investigation and Arrest

Albert Luna Jr. returned home the following evening at 11:45 PM, only to discover the grisly scene. He immediately alerted the authorities. Meanwhile, on September 15, Djerf shockingly confessed to his girlfriend about the murders, describing the ordeal as "really awesome" and expressing regret she wasn't present. His brazen boasts to friends, coupled with a police tip-off, led to his arrest on September 18. A search of Djerf's apartment, car, and motel room revealed stolen items from the Luna home and the weapons used in the murders.

While in custody, Djerf attempted suicide, using a shank made from a Halloween card, but survived to face justice.

Legal Proceedings

On August 16, 1995, Djerf pled guilty to four counts of first-degree murder, hoping to avoid the death penalty. However, Judge Michael Ryan warned him that execution was still a likely outcome. On May 22, 1996, Djerf was sentenced to death for each count, his nonchalance evident in his remark, "They can only kill me once." The judge noted Djerf's disturbing enjoyment of his revenge-fueled slaughter.

Djerf's appeals to the Arizona Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court were in vain, with a warrant of execution issued in February 2002, only to be stayed by the U.S. District Court. His case became intertwined with significant legal precedents such as Ring v. Arizona, which questioned whether a judge alone could impose a death sentence. This prolonged Djerf's case until the Supreme Court clarified its stance in Schriro v. Summerlin.

By April 2017, all of Djerf's federal appeals were dismissed, a decision upheld by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in July 2019. As of April 2021, Djerf stands among 20 Arizona death row inmates who have exhausted all appeals.

Legal Significance

Djerf's case is noted for his insistence on self-representation under a rule 11 law, an assertion of his right to dismiss legal counsel and plead guilty, despite it not being in his best interest. It serves as a pivotal example in discussions about self-representation and competency in court proceedings.

Aftermath

Speculation mounted following the execution of Aaron Gunches in March 2025 that Djerf could be next in line for execution. This was confirmed on May 22, 2025, when Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes requested an execution date, 29 years after Djerf's original sentencing. Initially set for October 9, 2025, the date was postponed to October 14, 2025.

Sources

• Wikipedia