Murrieta murder: Woman accused of hiring hit man as four face murder charges

In the unfolding Murrieta murder case, authorities said on March 23, 2026, that a 40-year-old woman has been charged in connection with the death of her former boyfriend, who was found in a Murrieta apartment in January. Investigators identified the victim as Aaron Parr, 30, whose body was discovered Jan. 13 inside a residence in the 24000 block of Jackson Avenue.

Police have charged Ignacia Cadaos Perkins, 40, with three murder-related counts and say she allegedly arranged for another person to carry out the killing. More than two weeks after Parr’s death, prosecutors charged Perkins and 43-year-old James Lawrence Petri, described by investigators as an Alabama resident and an acquaintance of Perkins. Authorities said the slaying may have been motivated by financial gain but have not released a cause of death as the homicide probe continues.

On Friday, investigators arrested two additional men, identified as Jerry Wheeler, 34, of Georgia, and Kenneth Maxwell, 39, of Alabama; both face three murder-related charges and are expected to be extradited to California. Murrieta police declined further comment due to the active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Leitch at (951) 461-6353 or submit an anonymous tip through the police department’s website.