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Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes filed a motion for a warrant of execution for Richard Kenneth Djerf, who was convicted of murdering a family of four in 1993. The execution is requested for October 14, 2025, as Djerf has exhausted his appeals. Mayes emphasized the heinous nature of the crimes, stating victims deserve justice.
Mobile homes in metro Phoenix account for 25% of indoor heat-related deaths in 2024, despite representing only 5% of residences. Many residents face challenges affording AC repairs amid rising lot rents, exacerbating the risks during extreme heat. Experts warn that outdated systems in these homes contribute significantly to the problem.
The Tempe Police Department has relaunched its forensics unit following a 2021 review that uncovered significant operational issues, including reliance on expired materials and inadequate training. The overhaul, costing approximately $180,000, involved retraining staff and contracting Mesa to manage evidence processing. Chief Kenneth McCoy stated that the new unit comprises well-trained specialists equipped with updated tools and procedures.
Two Navajo Nation men received sentences exceeding 25 years for the 2021 murder of a transgender woman. Isiah Adam Smith was sentenced to 27 years and Trevor Joe Begay to 30 years after admitting to second-degree murder and luring the victim under false pretenses. The attack was motivated by the victim's gender identity, leading to a brutal beating in the desert.
Social media influencer Emilie Kiser seeks to block the release of police records related to her 3-year-old son's drowning. Kiser's legal team aims to redact details that explain why police recommended child abuse charges against her husband, despite the Maricopa County Attorney's Office declining to prosecute.
A Phoenix streetwear shop, Restock Ave, was burglarized through a smash-and-grab early on July 24, with suspects using a stolen vehicle to gain access. The store's owner, Chris Sotelo, expects repairs to take two to three months, impacting back-to-school sales. Despite the closure, the online store remains operational.
Arizona hurdler Freddie Crittenden prepares for the U.S. Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon, from July 31 to August 3. Despite financial issues with the Grand Slam Track league, he remains focused on achieving a personal best and aiming for a world record in the 110-meter hurdles. Crittenden currently ranks No. 9 in the world and is a strong contender for the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
Sedona customers of the Arizona Water Company will face a 45% increase in their water rates to cover the $6 million cost of burying a new water storage tank. The Arizona Corporation Commission determined that Sedona should bear the higher costs due to local aesthetic preferences. The tank is necessary to meet the region's drinking water and fire flow demands.
Christina Marie Chapman, a 50-year-old Arizona resident, received over eight years in prison for aiding North Korea in exploiting over 300 U.S. companies, generating more than $17 million. She pleaded guilty to identity theft, wire fraud, and money laundering, as she helped North Korean IT workers secure remote jobs by falsifying identities. Chapman must forfeit nearly $285,000 and pay a judgment of $176,850.
Two wildfires near the Grand Canyon's North Rim are becoming more contained, with the White Sage Fire at 81% containment and the Dragon Bravo Fire at 26%. U.S. Route 89A has reopened, but Route 67 remains closed as firefighters work to control the blazes that have scorched over 94,000 acres.