Drug Dealer Convicted in Trafficking Case Tied to Double Murder, Including Pregnant Woman

Jury finds Ricardo Orizaba-Zendejas guilty for his role in drug ring that led to killings of couple in Washington

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A San Diego federal jury has convicted a 23-year-old man, Ricardo Orizaba-Zendejas, for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy that resulted in the murders of a married couple, Cesar Armando Murillo and Maira Sofia Hernandez, in Yakima, Washington. Hernandez was six months pregnant at the time of her killing.

Why it matters

This case highlights the deadly consequences of drug trafficking operations, including the tragic loss of innocent lives. It also underscores the need for continued law enforcement efforts to dismantle these criminal enterprises and bring those responsible to justice.

The details

Orizaba-Zendejas was charged along with co-defendant Benjamin Madrigal-Birrueta, who pleaded guilty last year. Prosecutors say Madrigal-Birrueta fatally shot Murillo and later arranged Hernandez's killing. The investigation began when the defendants' brothers were stopped by police in a car registered to Hernandez, which contained 150,000 fentanyl pills. Madrigal-Birrueta is described as the leader of the Yakima-based drug trafficking organization, while Orizaba-Zendejas worked as a drug dealer and debt collector.

  • On August 28, 2022, Madrigal-Birrueta shot Murillo multiple times at a Yakima ranch.
  • Just under a week later, Madrigal-Birrueta lured Hernandez to the ranch with the promise of reuniting her with her husband, where unnamed 'co-conspirators' fatally shot her.

The players

Ricardo Orizaba-Zendejas

A 23-year-old man convicted for his role in the drug trafficking conspiracy that led to the murders of Cesar Armando Murillo and Maira Sofia Hernandez.

Benjamin Madrigal-Birrueta

The leader of the Yakima-based drug trafficking organization, who pleaded guilty last year for his role in the murders of Murillo and Hernandez.

Cesar Armando Murillo

A 44-year-old man who was gunned down and buried near a ranch in Yakima, Washington.

Maira Sofia Hernandez

A 33-year-old woman who was six months pregnant when she was lured to the ranch and fatally shot by unnamed 'co-conspirators'.

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What they’re saying

“They wanted to quit the drug business and cooperate with the investigation”

— Cesar Armando Murillo and Maira Sofia Hernandez

What’s next

Madrigal-Birrueta and Orizaba-Zendejas are slated to be sentenced in San Diego federal court later this year.

The takeaway

This case highlights the devastating human toll of drug trafficking operations, where innocent lives are lost due to the greed and violence of those involved. It underscores the urgent need for continued law enforcement efforts to dismantle these criminal enterprises and bring those responsible to justice.