Cross-Country Murder Plot Busted in California

0:00Authorities just busted four people in a murder for higher plot that went down in California. The killing happened on January 13th, 2026, at an apartment complex in Marietta. James Lawrence Petrie, from Birmingham, Kenneth Ray Maxwell from midfield, Jerry Wheeler, linked to the Atlanta area, and Ignatia Cadal's Perkins, the Ignatia Cadal's Perkins, the victim's 40-year-old ex-girlfriend from California, all got nabbed, Petrie knew Perkins, and she allegedly set the whole thing in motion. He was picked up on January 29th in Birmingham, while Perkins got arrested the same day out West. Maxwell and Wheeler both went down on March 18th. They're all facing heavy charges like murder, murder for higher over money or other gains, and conspiracy to commit murder. The bust also netted more than ten weapons, silencers, and over two and a half kilograms of illegal drugs. Law enforcement praised the teamwork that made this happen, calling it a win against violent crime. It involved the FBI's Safe Streets Task Force out of Birmingham and Atlanta,

1:04plus local crews from Birmingham PD, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Brookhaven PD, Georgia State Police, and Marietta PD. This cross-country takedown shows how agencies are linking up to stop these schemes. Cold, keeping communities safer, one arrest at a time. Stay informed with Birmingham News Today, AI-powered updates.