Introduction:
Richard Djerf, an inmate on death row in Arizona, has written a haunting message as he prepares for his execution scheduled for October 17. Convicted of the brutal 1993 murders of four members of the Luna family, Djerf’s note apologizes for the pain he caused while also offering an unsettling perspective on his actions.
The 1993 Murders:
In 1993, Djerf murdered Albert Luna Sr., his wife Patricia, and their two children, Rochelle, 18, and Damien, 5, in Phoenix, Arizona. Djerf claimed his motive stemmed from a dispute with Albert Luna Jr., who he alleged had stolen items from his apartment. Seeking revenge, Djerf entered the Luna home under the guise of delivering flowers. Once inside, he brutally attacked the family: sexually assaulting Rochelle, beating Albert Sr. with a metal baseball bat, and fatally shooting him. He then tied the two children to kitchen chairs and killed them as well.
Djerf’s Chilling Final Words:
Ahead of his execution by lethal injection, Djerf issued a handwritten note apologizing for the pain he caused. He wrote, “If I can’t find reason to spare my life, what reason would anyone else have? I hope my death brings some measure of peace.” He also emphasized the innocence of Albert Luna Jr., stating, “No part of what I did to his family, or why, was ever his fault.”
Life on Death Row:
Djerf was sentenced to death in 1996 and has spent nearly three decades reflecting on his heinous crimes. His execution is set to take place next month, marking the end of a long legal process that has seen Arizona continue to execute inmates despite ongoing controversy over the use of the death penalty.
David Joseph Pittman was convicted of the murders of 3 people (Florida Department of Correction)
Recent Executions:
Arizona’s last execution was of Aaron Brian Gunches in March 2025. The state’s current death row inmate count stands at 108. In Florida, David Joseph Pittman, who had been convicted of murdering his ex-wife and her parents, was executed just a few days ago. Pittman, who maintained his innocence, declared moments before his execution, “I know you all came to watch an innocent man be murdered by the State of Florida. I am innocent. I didn’t kill anybody.”
Conclusion:
The cases of Djerf and Pittman highlight the complexities and controversies surrounding the death penalty in the United States, where legal battles, questions of innocence, and the moral implications of execution continue to stir intense debate. As Djerf’s execution approaches, his chilling final words add a grim layer to a tragic story of senseless violence.
Full Story: Richard Djerf’s Chilling Message to Victims Ahead of Execution
