Benjamin Madrigal-Birrueta, a Mexican national residing in Yakima, Washington, pleaded guilty in federal court to the murders of Cesar Murillo and his wife, Maira Hernandez, who was six months pregnant at the time. The crimes were committed as part of a drug trafficking conspiracy.
According to the plea agreement, Madrigal-Birrueta and his accomplices shot Murillo multiple times during an argument on August 28, 2022. The incident occurred at a remote ranch near Yakima. After the shooting, Murillo’s body was buried close to the ranch under Madrigal-Birrueta's direction.
On September 2, 2022, Madrigal-Birrueta lured Hernandez to the same location by telling her that her husband was waiting for her there. When she arrived at the ranch visibly pregnant and unaware of her husband's death, coconspirators shot her several times in the head. Her body was then buried near the ranch as well. The unborn child died when Hernandez was killed and buried.
Madrigal-Birrueta admitted that these murders took place while he participated in a drug trafficking operation. The plea agreement notes that his coconspirators owed money to Murillo and Hernandez for an unpaid drug debt.
Sentencing for Madrigal-Birrueta is scheduled for March 27, 2026.
Ricardo Orizaba-Zendejas is also charged as an accessory after the fact to murder and as a co-conspirator in Madrigal’s drug organization. His trial is set for October 27, 2025.
The investigation began after authorities seized drugs from vehicles entering through San Diego area ports between August and October 2021. By August 2022, investigators identified suspects operating out of Yakima. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents interviewed both victims shortly before their deaths. An extensive search involving advanced technology and forensic methods led authorities to recover their remains on September 13, 2023 with help from Washington State Police Crime Scene Investigations team.
During this investigation law enforcement recovered methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, firearms—including a machine gun—and body armor from locations linked to Madrigal-Birrueta’s group.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen Wong, Alexandra Foster, Mario Peia and Brandon Kimura are prosecuting this case.
“The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.”
