The FBI arrested three men and a woman and seized weapons and drugs as part of an investigation into an alleged murder-for-hire scheme in Murrieta, Calif. Two of the suspects are from Birmingham.
The investigation began after the January 13 death of a man found dead inside the Arbors at California Oaks apartments.
James Petri and Kenneth Ray Maxwell, both of Birmingham, are facing charges of murder, murder for financial or other consideration and criminal conspiracy to commit murder. Petri was arrested on January 29. Maxwell and another man, Jerry Wheeler, were arrested on March 18 and are facing the same charges.
Ignacia Perkins, 40, was also arrested. Authorities said Perkins is the victim’s ex-girlfriend.
The FBI Birmingham Safe Streets Task Force (SSTF) successfully collaborated with local law enforcement to apprehend the suspects.
“Our partnerships with local and federal law enforcement are crucial,” said David R. Fitzgibbons, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Birmingham. “I commend the exceptional work of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force for collaborating with our partners to ensure that violent criminals are taken off the streets and held accountable for their actions."
The FBI said the arrest of the suspects led to the seizure of over 10 weapons, suppressors and more than two and a half kilograms of illegal narcotics.
All subjects are considered innocent until proven guilty.
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