Press Release
☷Two Men Charged with Murdering Witnesses and Burying Their Remains to Thwart Investigation of Drug Trafficking Organization
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives ( By Press Release office)
Mar 07,2024
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In San Diego , a new indictment was partially revealed today accusing Benjamin Madrigal - Birrueta , an alleged drug dealer , of killing two people to stop them from testifying in drug trafficking cases in federal court . The victims were Cesar Armando Murillo , 44 , and Maira Sofia Hernandez , 33 , from Yakima , Washington . Hernandez was pregnant at the time of her death , and the indictment also charges Madrigal - Birrueta with the death of her unborn child . Authorities are determined to prosecute those involved in these crimes and protect witnesses in ongoing investigations . Ricardo Orizaba is also charged as an accessory to murder for helping cover up the killings . The victims ' bodies were found in a remote area near Yakima after a year - long search . Hernandez left behind three children , while Murillo had two . Madrigal - Birrueta is believed to be a key figure in a criminal organization involved in drug trafficking activities that were first detected in 2021 at San Diego ports of entry . The organization used stolen cars to smuggle drugs , and Madrigal - Birrueta is accused of being involved in importing the drugs . The investigation led agents to a group in Yakima , where two individuals were interviewed and later found murdered and buried in the desert . It took a year of using various techniques to find their remains , which were finally recovered in September 2023 . Autopsy reports showed that both victims were shot in the head . Methamphetamine , cocaine , fentanyl , firearms , and body armor were seized from Madrigal - Birrueta’s drug trafficking organization . Madrigal - Birrueta is also charged with possessing a machine gun in connection to the drug trafficking . Both Madrigal - Birrueta and Orizaba are in custody awaiting trial . The case is being handled by Assistant U . S . Attorneys Stephen H . Wong and Alicia P . Williams . Defendants Benjamin Madrigal - Birrueta , 22 , and Ricardo Orizaba , 21 , from Yakima , WA are facing some serious charges . They are accused of being involved in a criminal enterprise , distributing controlled substances , importing drugs , and committing murders in connection with drug trafficking . They are also charged with conspiracy to tamper with witnesses and causing the death of an unborn child . The penalties for these charges range from a minimum of ten years in prison to life , with fines of up to $2 million . Please note that the charges mentioned in this document are only accusations , and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty . For any media inquiries , please contact Kelly Thornton , the Media Relations Director at ( 619 ) 546 - 9726 or Kelly . Thornton@usdoj . gov , Los Angeles Field Division .
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