Birmingham, Alabama, February 3, 2026
Birmingham authorities arrested James Petri in connection to a Murrieta, California homicide investigation. The arrest occurred following collaborative efforts with California detectives, who identified Petri as a suspect in the murder of Aaron Parr. Another suspect, Ignacia Perkins, was arrested earlier in California. Both are facing serious charges including murder and conspiracy. The case highlights the effectiveness of interstate cooperation in crime investigations.
Birmingham Police Apprehend Suspect in California Homicide Investigation
Birmingham, Alabama – Authorities in Birmingham have successfully apprehended an individual connected to a recent homicide investigation stemming from Murrieta, California. The arrest, made on Monday, February 2, 2026, marks a significant development in the ongoing interstate case. James Petri, a 43-year-old resident of Birmingham, Alabama, was taken into custody by local law enforcement, who were acting in coordination with California detectives. Petri is currently awaiting extradition to California to face charges related to the murder.
Key Arrests Made in Bi-Coastal Investigation
The Birmingham Police Department’s special enforcement teams located and arrested James Petri along Bush Boulevard near Eninsley. This arrest came as part of a collaborative effort with the Murrieta Police Department in California, which had identified Petri as a suspect in the death of Aaron Parr. Concurrently, another individual, Ignacia Perkins, 40, of Murrieta, California, was also arrested in California on January 29, 2026, in connection with the same homicide. Perkins has been identified as the victim’s ex-girlfriend and is currently held at the Robert Presley Detention Center, with a court date scheduled for Tuesday.
Murrieta Homicide Details Emerge
The investigation began on January 13, 2026, when Murrieta Police Department officers responded to a call for service at The Arbors at California Oaks apartments, located at 24375 Jackson Avenue, Murrieta, California. Upon arrival, officers discovered 30-year-old Aaron Parr deceased inside an apartment. Preliminary information led investigators to classify the circumstances surrounding Parr’s death as a homicide. The Murrieta Police Department has indicated that detectives diligently gathered evidence and pursued all available leads to identify those responsible for the crime.
Allegations of Financial Motivation and Conspiracy
Both Petri and Perkins are facing serious charges, including murder, murder for financial or other consideration, and criminal conspiracy to commit murder. Perkins also faces an additional charge of first-degree murder and murder for financial gain. Authorities allege that the motive behind Aaron Parr’s killing was financially driven. The coordination between law enforcement agencies across state lines was crucial in identifying and apprehending both suspects involved in what investigators describe as a conspiracy.
Interstate Cooperation and Legal Proceedings
James Petri is currently held in the Jefferson County Jail in Bessemer, Alabama. His extradition back to California is pending, a process that involves legal procedures to transfer him to the jurisdiction where the crime occurred and where he will formally face trial. The arrest warrant for Petri was executed by the Birmingham Police Department, outlining the same allegations as those for which Perkins was jailed. The case is under review by the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, and felony charges are expected to be filed. The swift action by the Birmingham police in apprehending Petri underscores the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation in complex criminal investigations spanning multiple states.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested in connection with the Murrieta, California homicide investigation?
James Petri, 43, of Birmingham, Alabama, was arrested in Birmingham, Alabama, and Ignacia Perkins, 40, of Murrieta, California, was arrested in California.
When were the arrests made?
James Petri was arrested on Monday, February 2, 2026, in Birmingham, Alabama. Ignacia Perkins was arrested on January 29, 2026, in California, with the arrests publicly announced on February 2, 2026.
Where did the homicide occur?
The homicide occurred in Murrieta, California, at The Arbors at California Oaks apartments, located at 24375 Jackson Avenue.
Who was the victim in the Murrieta homicide?
The victim was 30-year-old Aaron Parr, who was found deceased inside an apartment on January 13, 2026.
What are the charges against the arrested individuals?
Both James Petri and Ignacia Perkins are charged with murder, murder for financial or other consideration, and criminal conspiracy to commit murder. Perkins also faces first-degree murder and murder for financial gain.
What is the alleged motive for the homicide?
Authorities allege that the motive behind Aaron Parr’s killing was financially driven.
What is the current status of James Petri?
James Petri is currently held in the Jefferson County Jail in Bessemer, Alabama, awaiting extradition to California.
Key Features of the Homicide Investigation and Arrests
| Feature | Detail | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Suspect (Arrested in Alabama) | James Petri, 43 | State-level (Alabama arrest), Nationwide (involvement across states) |
| Secondary Suspect (Arrested in California) | Ignacia Perkins, 40 | State-level (California arrest) |
| Victim | Aaron Parr, 30 | State-level (California) |
| Homicide Location | Murrieta, California (The Arbors at California Oaks apartments, 24375 Jackson Avenue) | State-level (California) |
| Date of Homicide Discovery | January 13, 2026 | State-level (California) |
| Date of Petri’s Arrest | Monday, February 2, 2026 | State-level (Alabama) |
| Charges | Murder, Murder for financial or other consideration, Criminal conspiracy to commit murder | Nationwide (Standard criminal charges) |
| Alleged Motive | Financially driven | Nationwide (Common motive) |
| Current Status of Petri | Held in Jefferson County Jail, Bessemer, Alabama; awaiting extradition to California | State-level (Alabama, California) |