2 Men Arrested In Murrieta Homicide Case: Police

MURRIETA, CA — Two men were the latest to be arrested amid a monthslong homicide investigation after a man was found dead at an apartment in Murrieta earlier this year, police said.

With the help of federal and local authorities, 34-year-old Jerry Wheeler, of Brookhaven, Georgia, and 39-year-old Kenneth Maxwell, of Midfield, Alabama, were both arrested Wednesday, according to the Murrieta Police Department.

Maxwell and Wheeler are facing extradition to California where they are charged with murder, murder for financial or other consideration, and criminal conspiracy to commit murder, according to the Murrieta Police Department.

"Since the initial arrests, Murrieta Police Detectives have continued to diligently examine a substantial volume of physical evidence, digital evidence, and investigative leads. Through persistent investigative efforts and coordination with
partner agencies across the United States, detectives were able to identify and locate two additional accomplices
involved in this homicide," said Capt. Jeremy Durrant of the Murrieta Police Department.

The two men were the most recent arrests in connection with a homicide reported Jan. 13 at an apartment building in the 24000 block of Jackson Street, where 30-year-old Aaron Parr was found dead.

On Jan. 29, 40-year-old Ignacia Perkins, the victim’s ex-girlfriend, and James Petri, an acquaintance of Perkins, were arrested in connection with the homicide.

Perkins is currently being held at the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning. Her next court date is April 23. Petri, who was extradited from Alabama, is currently being held at Southwest Detention Center. His next court date is also April 23, according to jail records. Both were charged with murder, murder for financial or other consideration, and criminal conspiracy to commit murder.

Authorities said the case remains under investigation. Anyone with information was encouraged to call Det. Leitch at 951-461-6353. Information can also be provided anonymously at murrietapolice.org.

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