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What initially seemed like a grim discovery within a Southern California apartment has swiftly evolved into a sprawling investigation stretching across the nation. Murrieta police describe it as an “unusual” situation for their typically quiet community, alleging a murder-for-hire conspiracy involving a victim’s former girlfriend and three other individuals.
On the morning of January 13, 2026, just after 9 a.m., officers from the Murrieta Police Department responded to a call at The Arbors at California Oaks apartments. Inside one of the units, they encountered a tragic scene: a man was found deceased, prompting investigators to immediately suspect foul play and label the case as a homicide.
The victim was later identified as Aaron “AJ” Parr, a 30-year-old man cherished by his family as a son, brother, and father. His untimely death has left his loved ones in profound shock and mourning.
In a development that occurred a little more than two weeks after the initial discovery, police apprehended Ignacia Perkins, the victim’s ex-girlfriend, and James Petri, whom authorities described as an acquaintance of Perkins.
However, the investigation’s scope quickly expanded beyond the borders of California, turning into a case with national implications.
As detectives dug through physical and digital evidence, they began working with law enforcement agencies across the country, ultimately identifying two more suspects believed to be involved.
On March 18, authorities arrested Jerry Wheeler, 34, in Brookhaven, Georgia, and Kenneth Maxwell, 39, in Midfield, Alabama. Both men are now awaiting extradition to California.
Police say the case centers on an alleged murder carried out for financial gain, along with a broader conspiracy to make it happen.
Authorities in Murrieta are investigating an alleged murder-for-hire plot in what they describe as an unusual case for the area. (Murrieta Police Department Facebook)
Wheeler and Maxwell each face charges including murder, conspiracy to commit murder and a special circumstance allegation that the killing was done for financial gain, police said.
The arrests were carried out with help from multiple agencies, including Brookhaven Police and North Metro SWAT in Georgia, as well as FBI teams in Alabama.
Murrieta is generally considered a relatively safe city, with a crime rate about 2.2 times lower than the national average, according to City-Data.
Aaron “AJ” Parr, the victim in a Murrieta, California homicide tied to an alleged murder-for-hire plot, is seen in an undated photo. (Lexi Parr Facebook)
For Parr’s family, the arrests have brought a complicated mix of grief and relief.
“The world kept moving, but ours stopped the day we lost you,” a woman identifying herself as Parr’s sister wrote in a social media post weeks after his death. “Not a moment goes by that you aren’t on our minds… in our tears, and in our prayers.”
She said the arrests have offered “a small sense of relief” as the case moves forward, though the pain remains.
“There is no celebration in it, because nothing will ever bring you back,” she wrote.
A fundraiser created for the family describes Parr as a beloved son and brother, and says his parents are “salt-of-the-earth people” who have spent their lives serving others. The funds are intended to help cover funeral costs and other unexpected expenses following his death.
Authorities say the latest arrests mark a major turning point in the case, effectively wrapping up the active phase of the investigation as detectives shift focus toward preparing for a potential trial.
Investigators have not released details about how the alleged plot unfolded or the specific roles each suspect may have played, citing the ongoing nature of the case.
Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.