Ex-Girlfriend Accused in Alleged Murrieta Murder-for-Hire Plot

Authorities say Ignacia Cadaos Perkins hired a hitman to kill her ex-boyfriend Aaron Parr, and two other men may have been involved.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 1:06am

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A 40-year-old Murrieta woman named Ignacia Cadaos Perkins has been charged with three counts of murder in connection with the death of her 30-year-old ex-boyfriend Aaron Parr. Authorities say Perkins hired an Alabama man named James Lawrence Petri to carry out the killing, and two other men from Georgia and Alabama, Jerry Wheeler and Kenneth Maxwell, were also allegedly involved in the plot.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious consequences of alleged murder-for-hire schemes and the complex investigations required to uncover such plots. The involvement of multiple suspects from different states also underscores the potential reach and coordination of these types of alleged criminal conspiracies.

The details

Parr was found dead inside an apartment in Murrieta on January 13th. Authorities have not released details on the cause of his death, but launched a homicide investigation. Perkins and Petri were charged with Parr's murder more than two weeks later. Police have suggested the killing may have been motivated by financial gain. Wheeler and Maxwell were later arrested and also charged with three counts of murder for their alleged roles in the plot.

  • Parr was found dead inside a Murrieta apartment on January 13, 2026.
  • Perkins and Petri were charged with Parr's murder more than two weeks later.

The players

Ignacia Cadaos Perkins

A 40-year-old Murrieta woman accused of hiring a hitman to kill her ex-boyfriend Aaron Parr.

Aaron Parr

A 30-year-old Murrieta man who was killed, allegedly as part of a murder-for-hire plot orchestrated by his ex-girlfriend Ignacia Cadaos Perkins.

James Lawrence Petri

An Alabama resident and acquaintance of Perkins who is accused of being the hitman hired to kill Aaron Parr.

Jerry Wheeler

A 34-year-old Georgia man who is accused of being involved in the alleged murder-for-hire plot against Aaron Parr.

Kenneth Maxwell

A 39-year-old Alabama man who is accused of being involved in the alleged murder-for-hire plot against Aaron Parr.

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What they’re saying

“We must get to the bottom of this tragic case and ensure those responsible are held accountable.”

— Murrieta Police Chief

What’s next

Authorities say Wheeler and Maxwell will be extradited to California to face trial alongside Perkins and Petri. The judge will determine if Perkins and Petri will be granted bail as the investigation continues.

The takeaway

This alleged murder-for-hire plot highlights the need for vigilance against domestic violence and the complex, multi-jurisdictional investigations required to uncover such serious crimes. It serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences that can result from intimate partner violence and the importance of reporting suspicious activity to authorities.