Attorney General Tom Horne Announces The Execution of Joseph R. Wood III

Phoenix (Wednesday, July 23, 2014) – After several days of legal maneuvering, Attorney General Tom Horne is announcing the execution of 55-year-old, Joseph R.Wood III, ADC #086279. The execution commenced at 1:52 p.m. at the Arizona State Prison Complex (ASPC)-Florence. He was pronounced dead at 3:49 p.m.

Wood and his 29-year-old ex-girlfriend, Debbie Dietz, had been involved in an unstable relationship for five years, which had been impaired by the numerous breakups and domestic violent incidents during the time. Debbie had been working at a local body shop owned by her family.

On August 7, 1989, Wood walked into the shop and killed Debbie’s father, Gene Dietz. Wood shot the 55-year-old in the chest with a .38 caliber revolver. Gene’s 70-year-old brother was at the scene and tried to stop Wood, but Wood pushed him away while then proceeding to another section of the shop. After Wood found Debbie, he put her in a hold, then shot her once in the abdomen and once in the chest, killing her as well. After killing the two victims, he then fled the building.

Wood was convicted February 25, 1991, and sentenced to death July 2, 1991.