Murrieta, California, February 3, 2026
In Murrieta, California, two individuals have been arrested in connection with the murder of Aaron Parr, discovered dead at his residence. Ignacia Cadaos Perkins, the victim’s ex-girlfriend, and James Lawrence Petri have been charged with murder and conspiracy. The investigation revealed a suspected financially motivated conspiracy behind the crime. Both suspects are currently in custody, with Perkins held in California and Petri awaiting extradition from Alabama. Authorities continue to urge anyone with information to come forward.
Murrieta, California
Two individuals, including a Southern California woman and an Alabama man, have been arrested and charged in connection with the murder of a Murrieta resident earlier this year. Ignacia Cadaos Perkins, 40, of Murrieta, and James Lawrence Petri, 43, of Birmingham, Alabama, are both facing charges of murder and criminal conspiracy to commit murder following an extensive investigation into the death of Perkins’ ex-boyfriend, Aaron Parr. Authorities suspect the murder was part of a financially motivated conspiracy.
Arrests and Charges
Ignacia Cadaos Perkins, identified as the victim’s ex-girlfriend, was arrested in Murrieta on January 29, 2026. She was subsequently booked into the Robert Presley Jail, where she remains in custody. Perkins is facing serious felony charges, including first-degree murder, murder for financial gain, and criminal conspiracy to commit homicide. Her alleged accomplice, James Lawrence Petri, an acquaintance of Perkins, was apprehended in Birmingham, Alabama. Petri is currently being held at the Jefferson County Detention Center in Bessemer, Alabama, and is awaiting extradition to California to face charges of murder, murder for financial or other consideration, and criminal conspiracy to commit murder. The Murrieta Police Department released a booking photo of Perkins on Monday.
Investigation Details
The murder investigation began on January 13, 2026, when Murrieta Police Department officers responded to a call for service at The Arbors at California Apartments, located on Jackson Avenue, at approximately 9:13 a.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered 30-year-old Aaron Parr deceased inside his residence. Based on initial information, the circumstances surrounding his death immediately prompted a homicide investigation.
Murrieta Police Department homicide detectives spearheaded the rigorous investigation, working tirelessly to gather evidence and pursue all available leads. Their efforts ultimately led to the identification and arrest of Perkins and Petri. The investigative team received valuable assistance from several partnering agencies, highlighting a collaborative commitment to public safety. These agencies included the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, the Birmingham Police Department, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
The case was under review by the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office on Monday, February 2, 2026. Perkins is scheduled for a court appearance on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the Riverside Hall of Justice. Due to the ongoing nature of the case, additional details may be released as the investigation progresses. Authorities have encouraged anyone with further information regarding this investigation to come forward and contact Detective Leitch at 951-461-6353, or provide information anonymously through the Murrieta Police Department’s website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the latest news regarding the Murrieta murder case?
Two individuals, Ignacia Cadaos Perkins and James Lawrence Petri, have been arrested and charged in connection with the murder of Aaron Parr in Murrieta, California.
Who are the suspects involved in the Murrieta murder?
The suspects are Ignacia Cadaos Perkins, 40, of Murrieta, and James Lawrence Petri, 43, of Birmingham, Alabama.
What are the charges against Ignacia Cadaos Perkins and James Lawrence Petri?
Both Perkins and Petri are charged with murder and criminal conspiracy to commit murder. Perkins also faces charges of first-degree murder and murder for financial gain, while Petri is charged with murder for financial or other consideration.
When and where was the victim found?
The victim, 30-year-old Aaron Parr, was found deceased on January 13, 2026, at approximately 9:13 a.m., in his residence at The Arbors at California Apartments on Jackson Avenue in Murrieta.
What is the suspected motive behind the murder?
Authorities suspect the murder was part of a financially motivated conspiracy.
When were the suspects arrested?
Ignacia Cadaos Perkins was arrested on January 29, 2026, in Murrieta. James Lawrence Petri was arrested in Birmingham, Alabama.
Where are the suspects currently held?
Ignacia Cadaos Perkins is currently held at the Robert Presley Jail in Murrieta, California. James Lawrence Petri is held at the Jefferson County Detention Center in Bessemer, Alabama, awaiting extradition to California.
Which law enforcement agencies are involved in the investigation?
The Murrieta Police Department Homicide Detectives are leading the investigation, with assistance from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, Birmingham Police Department, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Key Features of the Murrieta Murder Investigation
| Feature | Details | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Victim’s Name | Aaron Parr | Local |
| Victim’s Age | 30 years old | Local |
| Date of Incident Discovery | January 13, 2026 | Local |
| Location of Incident | The Arbors at California Apartments, Jackson Avenue, Murrieta | Local |
| Suspect 1 Name | Ignacia Cadaos Perkins | Local (Murrieta, California) |
| Suspect 1 Age | 40 years old | Local |
| Suspect 1 Relationship to Victim | Ex-girlfriend | Local |
| Suspect 1 Arrest Date | January 29, 2026 | Local |
| Suspect 1 Current Custody | Robert Presley Jail, Murrieta | State-level (California) |
| Suspect 1 Charges | First-degree murder, murder for financial gain, criminal conspiracy to commit homicide | State-level (California) |
| Suspect 2 Name | James Lawrence Petri | State-level (Birmingham, Alabama) |
| Suspect 2 Age | 43 years old | State-level (Alabama) |
| Suspect 2 Relationship to Suspect 1 | Acquaintance | State-level (Alabama) |
| Suspect 2 Arrest Location | Birmingham, Alabama | State-level (Alabama) |
| Suspect 2 Current Custody | Jefferson County Detention Center, Bessemer, Alabama | State-level (Alabama) |
| Suspect 2 Status | Awaiting extradition to California | Nationwide (Inter-state) |
| Suspect 2 Charges | Murder, murder for financial or other consideration, criminal conspiracy to commit murder | State-level (California, pending extradition) |
| Suspected Motive | Financially motivated conspiracy | Local |
| Lead Investigating Agency | Murrieta Police Department Homicide Detectives | Local |
| Assisting Agencies | Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, Birmingham Police Department, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office | Local/State-level/Nationwide |
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