Murrieta Father's Killing Was 'Planned With Sophistication, Professionalism': DA

MURRIETA, CA — Two people suspected of murdering a Murrieta father for financial gain were charged Tuesday, more than a week after the victim's loved ones laid him to rest.

In addition to the murder charge, Ignacia Cadaoas Perkins, 40, of Murrieta, and James Lawrence Petri, 43, of Birmingham, Alabama, also face sentencing enhancements of lying in wait and killing for financial gain in the death last month of 30-year-old Aaron "A.J." Jacob Parr.

Based on court records, Petri shot Parr and is also facing a sentencing enhancement for allegedly discharging a firearm causing great bodily injury.

Prosecutors allege the slaying was planned with sophistication and professionalism, and involved great violence and bodily harm. The investigation into the killing began shortly after 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, when Murrieta police responded to a call for service at The Arbors at California Oaks apartments, 24375 Jackson Avenue.

It's unclear who called the police, but at the apartment complex, they found Parr dead inside a unit.

Murrieta homicide detectives gathered evidence that eventually led them to Perkins and Petri. Both were arrested on Thursday, Jan. 29. Perkins was taken into custody in Murrieta, while Petri was arrested in Birmingham and is being extradited to Riverside County.

Perkins was Parr's ex-girlfriend, and Petri was an acquaintance of Perkins. Further details about the defendants' relationship were not disclosed.

The Murrieta Police Department investigation included collaboration with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, Birmingham Police Department, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

According to an online obituary for Parr, he was the father of two young children. It's unclear what Perkins' relationship, if any, is to the youngsters.

"They were his whole world. Everything in his life revolved around them," the obituary reads. "If you stepped into his apartment, you would see it immediately: drawings and notes taped and featured on poster boards, toys scattered across the floor, small reminders everywhere of what mattered most to him. He gave every ounce of himself to being present, dependable, and loving, and his children always came first."

Funeral services for Parr were held on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mansfield, Ohio. During the service, family members choked up as they recalled their loved one.

"Aaron was a beloved son, brother, friend and father whose life was marked by quiet strength, steady perseverance, and a deep capacity for love," one said. "He will be missed."