This photo provided by the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry, shows death row prisoner Richard Kenneth Djerf. (Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry via AP)
Arizona plans to carry out its second execution this year
PHOENIX (AP) — The state of Arizona is planning to carry out a second execution this year, this time for a man convicted of violently killing four members of a family in 1993 at their home in metro Phoenix.
This photo provided by the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry, shows death row prisoner Richard Kenneth Djerf. (Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry via AP)
PHOENIX (AP) — The state of Arizona is planning to carry out a second execution this year, this time for a man convicted of violently killing four members of a family in 1993 at their home in metro Phoenix.
Prosecutors filed a request Thursday with the Arizona Supreme Court to set a briefing schedule leading up to the execution of Richard Kenneth Djerf, who pleaded guilty to killing Albert Luna Sr., his wife, Patricia, and their 18-year-old daughter Rochelle and 5-year-old son Damien. A judge later sentenced Djerf to death.
If the court agrees to the schedule suggested by prosecutors, the state’s highest court would consider the request for Djerf’s execution warrant in late July, with the execution likely occurring in early September.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW
The Associated Press has sent an email seeking comment to attorneys who represented Djerf.
Two months ago, Arizona executed 53-year-old in the 2002 killing of Ted Price, marking the state’s first use of the death penalty in over two years
Gunches’ execution had originally been scheduled for April 2023, but it was called off after Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs ordered a review of the state’s death penalty procedures. Late last year, Hobbs she had appointed to conduct the review, and the state’s corrections department announced changes in the team that lethally injects death row prisoners.
Arizona, which has 111 prisoners on death row, has been heavily criticized for its use of the death penalty. It underwent a nearly eight-year hiatus in the use of the death penalty after a and because of difficulties obtaining drugs for execution.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
FIRST UP
You're signed up! You'll start getting First Up in your inbox soon.
Want more of the latest from the Star? Sign up for more at our newsletter page.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
EMAIL NEWS ALERTS
When big news breaks, don’t miss it with our free alerts
Error! There was an error processing your request.
There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
EMAIL NEWS ALERTS
You're signed up! You'll start getting news alerts in your inbox soon.
Want more of the latest from the Star? Sign up for more at our newsletter page.
You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our and . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google and apply.
Camp is a place where unexpected fun leads to unleashed potential.
With your support, The º£½ÇÉçÇø¹ÙÍøStar Fresh Air Fund provides opportunities for financially vulnerable children to ignite a lifelong love for adventure at camp. Above all, your kindness makes it happen.