BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – The Birmingham Police Department has reportedly arrested a man wanted for a murder in California.
According to police, James Lawrence Petri, 43, of Murietta, California, is wanted in connection to a murder that happened on Jan. 13, 2026 at the Arbors at California Oaks Apartments. This apartment complex is located at 24375 Jackson Avenue in Murietta, California.
Authorities arrest James Lawrence Petri in Birmingham(Birmingham Police Department)
Murietta Police posted on their Facebook saying that a man was found dead inside an apartment at that complex shortly after 9 a.m.
Birmingham Police say that on Thursday, Jan. 29, their Special Enforcement Team worked in coordination with Murietta Police Department to locate and arrest Petri in the 2600 block of Bush Boulevard without any incident.
Authorities arrest James Lawrence Petri in Birmingham(Birmingham Police Department)
Petri is currently being held in the Jefferson County Jail until he is taken to California. He is charged with murder, murder for financial order or other consideration and criminal conspiracy to commit murder.
Murietta Police say the victim’s ex-girlfriend, Ignacia Cadaos Perkins, 40, of Murietta, was also arrested in connection to the murder.
Ignacia Cadaos Perkins(Murietta Police Department)
She was reportedly taken into custody on Jan. 29 in Murietta and is facing the same charges as Petri. Police say Petri was an acquaintance of Perkins.
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