Ironwood State Prison Officials Investigating the Death of an Incarcerated Person as a Homicide

BLYTHE – California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) officials are investigating the June 22, 2024, death of an incarcerated person at Ironwood State Prison (ISP) as a homicide.

At 7:01 p.m., three incarcerated people — Jonathan Orduno, Juan Madrigal, and Samuel Ricardez — allegedly attacked another incarcerated person, Luis Padilla. Staff immediately sounded an alarm. The three assailants fled the area but were quickly located and detained without incident.

Padilla sustained multiple stab wounds and life-saving measures were performed. Institution medical staff, as well as 911 services were requested. He was transported to the institution’s triage and treatment area where he was pronounced deceased by medical staff at 7:38 p.m. No staff or additional incarcerated people were injured.

Two inmate-manufactured weapons were recovered at the scene.

All suspects have been moved to restricted housing pending an investigation by the ISP Investigative Services Unit, and the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. The Office of the Inspector General was notified, and the Riverside County Coroner will determine Padilla’s official cause of death.

Luis Padilla, 42, was received from Los Angeles County on Dec. 11, 2001. He was sentenced to life with the possibility of parole for preventing/dissuading a victim or witness under specified circumstances. He was also sentenced to two years for criminal threat to cause great bodily injury with enhancements of a street gang act in commission of a serious felony. He was also sentenced for stalking with enhancements of a street gang act.

Samuel Ricardez, 28, was received from San Diego County on March 4, 2014. He was sentenced to life with the possibility of parole for first-degree murder with enhancements for intentional discharge of a firearm causing great bodily injury. He was also sentenced to five years for second-degree robbery with enhancements of using a firearm and street gang act in commission of a violent felony.

Jonathan Orduno, 23, was received from San Diego County on Aug. 31, 2022. He was sentenced to life with the possibility of parole for first-degree murder with enhancements for using a firearm.

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 intentional discharge of a firearm causing great bodily injury. He was also sentenced to seven years for second-degree murder and five years for discharge of a firearm at an inhabited dwelling/vehicle/aircraft.

ISP, located in Riverside County, opened in 1994 and houses 3,165 minimum-, medium-, and maximum-custody inmates. The prison provides academic classes, vocational instruction, work assignments and rehabilitation programs and employs more than 1,200 people.