Man Convicted in San Diego Court for Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Linked to Double Murder

Ricardo Orizaba-Zendejas found guilty for his role in a Yakima-based drug ring that led to the deaths of a pregnant woman and her husband.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A San Diego federal jury has convicted 23-year-old Ricardo Orizaba-Zendejas for his involvement in a drug trafficking conspiracy that resulted in the murders of Cesar Armando Murillo and his pregnant wife Maira Sofia Hernandez in Yakima, Washington. Orizaba-Zendejas worked as a drug dealer and debt collector for the Yakima-based drug ring led by co-defendant Benjamin Madrigal-Birrueta, who pleaded guilty last year to orchestrating the killings.

Why it matters

This case highlights the violent and deadly consequences of drug trafficking operations, as well as the need for continued law enforcement efforts to dismantle these criminal enterprises. The murders of an expectant mother and her husband underscore the human toll of the opioid crisis and the ruthlessness of those involved in the illegal drug trade.

The details

According to prosecutors, Madrigal-Birrueta fatally shot Murillo at a ranch in Yakima, and then arranged for Hernandez, who was six months pregnant, to be lured to the same location and killed by unnamed co-conspirators. The investigation into the drug ring began when the defendants' brothers were stopped by police in a car registered to Hernandez, which contained 150,000 fentanyl pills.

  • On August 28, 2022, Madrigal-Birrueta shot Murillo multiple times in the back of the head and body 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, but unnamed "co-conspirators" fatally shot her.

The players

Ricardo Orizaba-Zendejas

A 23-year-old man convicted for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy that led to the murders of two people, including a pregnant woman.

Benjamin Madrigal-Birrueta

The leader of the Yakima-based drug trafficking enterprise, who pleaded guilty last year to orchestrating the killings of Cesar Armando Murillo and Maira Sofia Hernandez.

Cesar Armando Murillo

A 44-year-old man who was gunned down and buried near a ranch in Yakima, Washington as part of the drug trafficking conspiracy.

Maira Sofia Hernandez

A 33-year-old pregnant woman who was lured to the Yakima ranch and killed by unnamed co-conspirators, resulting in the death of her unborn child.

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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 both slated to be sentenced in San Diego federal court later this year.

The takeaway

This case underscores the urgent need to dismantle drug trafficking operations and hold those responsible accountable, as the consequences of these criminal enterprises can be devastating, leading to the senseless loss of innocent lives.