Riverside County, California – Officials from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) are looking into the death of Luis Padilla at Ironwood State Prison (ISP) on June 22, 2024, which they believe was a homicide. At 7:01 p.m., three inmates—Jonathan Orduno, Juan Madrigal, and Samuel Ricardez—reportedly attacked Padilla. Prison staff responded quickly by sounding an alarm, and although the attackers tried to escape, they were soon captured and detained without further issues.
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According to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitations, Padilla had suffered several stab wounds, prompting immediate life-saving attempts by the prison medical team. Emergency services were called, and he was taken to the prison’s medical unit for urgent care but was declared dead at 7:38 p.m. There were no injuries to any other inmates or staff during this incident.
Investigators found two homemade weapons at the scene. The three accused individuals have been placed in segregated housing while the ISP Investigative Services Unit and the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office conduct a thorough investigation. The Office of the Inspector General has been informed, and the Riverside County Coroner is set to determine the exact cause of Padilla’s death.
Luis Padilla, aged 42, entered the system from Los Angeles County on December 11, 2001. He received a life sentence with the possibility of parole for attempting to prevent or dissuade a victim or witness in certain conditions. Additionally, he was given a two-year sentence for making a criminal threat to inflict serious injury, with added penalties for gang-related activities and for stalking.
Samuel Ricardez, 28, came from San Diego County on March 4, 2014. His sentence includes life with possible parole for committing first-degree murder, including an enhancement for intentionally firing a gun and causing serious injury. He also received a five-year sentence for armed second-degree robbery with a gang-related enhancement.
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Jonathan Orduno, aged 23, was also from San Diego County and arrived on August 31, 2022. He is serving a life sentence with the chance of parole for first-degree murder, with an additional penalty for firearm use.
Juan Madrigal, 26, was received from San Diego County on March 15, 2023. He was sentenced to life with the possibility of parole for first-degree murder, with enhancements for shooting a firearm that resulted in great bodily harm. Additionally, he received seven years for second-degree murder and five years for shooting at an occupied building or vehicle.
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Ironwood State Prison (ISP), situated in Riverside County and operational since 1994, accommodates 3,165 inmates across minimum, medium, and maximum-security levels. The facility offers educational programs, vocational training, work opportunities, and rehabilitation initiatives and employs over 1,200 staff members.
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