Murrieta murder-for-hire case: two more arrests in connection to aaron parr's death
California authorities have apprehended two additional individuals linked to the murder of Aaron Parr, 30, found dead in a Murrieta apartment complex in January.
Additional suspects nabbed in murder investigation
The arrests, announced Friday, bring the total number of individuals charged in connection with the homicide to four. Ignacia Perkins, Parr's ex-girlfriend, and James Petri were initially arrested on January 29, 2026. Now, Jerry Wheeler, 34, of Brookhaven, Georgia, and Kenneth Maxwell, 39, of Midfield, Alabama, have also been taken into custody.
Petri's arrest was a multi-jurisdictional effort, involving the Birmingham Police Department, FBI Birmingham Safe Streets Task Force, Washoe County Sheriff's Office, and Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. The subsequent arrests of Wheeler and Maxwell relied on cooperation from the Brookhaven Police Department and FBI Birmingham SWAT teams.
Investigators have been meticulously analyzing physical and digital evidence since the initial arrests. The ongoing investigation suggests a complex network orchestrated to carry out the killing of Parr, a case that quickly escalated beyond local boundaries.
The charges against all four individuals include murder, murder for financial or other consideration, and criminal conspiracy to commit murder. Extradition proceedings are underway for Wheeler and Maxwell, who face extradition to California.
The Murrieta Police Department expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of the various law enforcement agencies involved. While details remain limited, the department assures the public that the investigation is active and information will be released as it becomes available.
The swift progression of this case – from initial homicide investigation to multiple arrests across state lines – highlights the resources dedicated to tackling organized crime. The motive behind Parr's death remains under wraps, but the involvement of multiple individuals suggests a calculated and premeditated act.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Murrieta Police Department at (951) 461-6353.