California Murder Suspect Arrested in Birmingham

Birmingham, AL (BuzzReport) — A California man wanted in connection with a January homicide has been arrested in Birmingham, according to the Birmingham Police Department.

Members of BPD’s Special Operations Bureau, specifically the Special Enforcement Teams, took 43-year-old James Lawrence Petri of Murrieta, California, into custody in coordination with the Murrieta Police Department.

Petri is wanted in connection with a murder that occurred on Jan. 13, 2026, at the Arbors at California Oaks Apartments, located at 24375 Jackson Avenue in Murrieta, California. Authorities said he faces charges of murder, murder for financial or other consideration, and criminal conspiracy to commit murder.

On Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, Birmingham officers located and arrested Petri in the 2600 block of Bush Boulevard. Police said the arrest was made without incident.

Petri is currently being held in the Jefferson County Jail pending extradition to California, where he will face the charges.

Law enforcement officials said the arrest underscores the importance of interagency cooperation. Through coordinated communication and information sharing, agencies were able to quickly identify and apprehend a fugitive across state lines, enhancing public safety both locally and nationally.