BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – Authorities have arrested four people in connection to a murder-for-hire scheme in California.
The murder happened on Jan. 13, 2026 at the Arbors at California Oaks Apartments. The apartment complex is located at 24375 Jackson Avenue in Murietta, California.
The operation resulted in the seizure of over ten weapons, suppressors and more than two and a half kilograms of illegal narcotics.
James Lawrence Petri(Jefferson County Jail)
James Petri from Birmingham was arrested on Jan. 29, 2026.
Kenneth Maxwell(Jefferson Co. Jail)
Kenneth Ray Maxwell, from Midfield, was arrested on March 18, 2026.
Jerry Wheeler, who is associated with Brookhaven/Atlanta, was apprehended on the same day.
Authorities arrest James Lawrence Petri in Birmingham(Birmingham Police Department)
Petri, Maxwell and Wheeler are charged with murder, murder for financial order or other consideration and criminal conspiracy to commit murder.
The victim’s ex-girlfriend, Ignacia Cadaos Perkins, 40, of California, was also arrested in connection to the murder.
Ignacia Cadaos Perkins(Murietta Police Department)
She was reportedly taken into custody on Jan. 29 in California and is facing the same charges. Police say Petri was an acquaintance of Perkins.
“I commend the exceptional work of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force for collaborating with our partners to ensure that violent criminals are taken off the streets and held accountable for their actions,” said Special Agent in Charge of FBI Birmingham, David R. Fitzgibbons said.
The coordinated effort involved partnerships with the FBI Atlanta, Georgia State Police, Birmingham Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Brookhaven Police Department, FBI Birmingham SWAT, FBI Birmingham Safe Streets Task Force and Murrieta Police Department.
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