Preparedness
Fake Utility Workers: How a Deadly Home Invasion Unfolded
The pursuit of a suspect involved in a tragic home invasion in Michigan has concluded with the arrest of a second individual. This suspect allegedly posed as a utility worker to gain entry into a couple’s residence, resulting in the death of Hussein Murray, 72, and the restraint of his wife.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the apprehension of this second suspect following the earlier capture of 37-year-old Carlos Jose Hernandez in Louisiana. Hernandez faces charges of felony murder and unlawful imprisonment.
“Our fugitive apprehension team located the individual as he was traveling this afternoon in Plymouth Township and a traffic stop was effectuated. He was taken into custody without incident,” the department announced in a Facebook post. “Nothing further will be added at this point, but we wanted the information out to reassure an anxious community.”
The incident occurred in the upscale neighborhood of Rochester Hills. Ring doorbell footage revealed Hernandez and the second suspect dressed in yellow fluorescent vests and masks, carrying a fake work order and badges to deceive the homeowners.
“We’re DTE, we’re checking for gas leaks,” Hernandez claimed, impersonating a local energy company worker. Murray, believing the ruse, signed the false work order and led the men into his basement.
Shortly after, the intruders confronted Murray’s wife, demanding money and jewelry. “They duct-taped her wrists and ankles. At one point, she started to scream, and the defendant hit her across the face,” according to the prosecutor’s office.
Despite her ordeal, Murray’s wife managed to call 911, leading to a police response. She was briefly hospitalized, while Murray was found deceased, bound in the basement.
The suspects fled with the woman’s phone and watch in a white pickup truck bearing a DTE energy decal. They had attempted to access the home the previous day but were unsuccessful.
Authorities suspect the couple was targeted due to their ownership of a local jewelry and pawn shop. “That’s going to be a continuing part of our investigation, what put them on that door for that particular tragic moment,” stated Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard.
Hernandez was apprehended by Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies in Shreveport, Louisiana. He was traveling south on I-49 from Arkansas when spotted. There is also an outstanding warrant for his arrest in Ohio for an alleged armed robbery.
“This was a gruesome attack on an elderly couple in their home,” Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald remarked. “I have authorized the highest charge which carries a mandatory life without parole sentence for this brutal crime.”
In response to the incident, DTE Energy issued a warning to residents about imposters. They advised, “If anyone arrives at your home or business saying they are from DTE, please ask to see a badge with photo ID. If the person refuses to show their badge, do not allow them inside.” Residents can verify worker credentials by contacting the company directly.
Watch a local news report about the incident below:
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Preparedness
Homeowner Jailed After Confronting Alleged Squatter in Her Home
A Georgia homeowner found herself in an unexpected legal predicament after confronting an alleged squatter in her property. Loletha Hale, who owns a house in Livingston, Georgia, had been dealing with a squatter situation since August, according to her account to WSB-TV. Despite her attempts to resolve the issue, it was Hale who ended up in jail.
Hale’s troubles began when she discovered Sakemeyia Johnson residing in her home with a former tenant. The tenant had previously been evicted, and Johnson initially received a citation for squatting. However, a court later ruled that “Sakemeyia Johnson is not a squatter,” despite Hale’s insistence that Johnson was never a tenant.
On December 9, Hale entered her house to prepare it for a new renter and encountered Johnson once more. Hale claimed that Johnson had “broken the locks” to gain access. She stated, “She just caught up out of nowhere. She had this guy with her, and I locked the door. I locked the screen door, and he forced himself in telling us to get out.”
Despite Hale’s efforts to have Johnson charged with trespassing, it was Hale who was arrested. Police body cam footage captured an officer explaining to Hale that not everyone is as fortunate as she is, saying, “Everybody isn’t as fortunate as you to have a bed.”
Johnson, on the other hand, maintained, “I was written a citation saying I was a squatter. But a judge signed an order saying that I wasn’t a squatter.” The police arrested Hale on charges of executing an illegal eviction and making terroristic threats, as she was heard saying, “leave before I get my gun.”
Hale expressed her disbelief at the situation, stating, “To see that woman walk into my mom’s house while I was in the police car, something is wrong with this picture. Something is inherently wrong with this picture.” She also questioned, “How can she not be squatting when I’ve never had any type of contract relationship with this person.”
Reflecting on her arrest, Hale described the experience as humiliating, saying, “I spent the night on a mat on a concrete floor in deplorable conditions. While this woman, this squatter slept in my home.” She is uncertain when she will be able to return to her property, as she awaits a hearing for Johnson’s appeal, despite Johnson not meeting the statutory requirements for one.
Hale remains in a state of limbo, unsure of when she will regain access to her home, and continues to seek legal resolution to the situation.
Watch a local news report about the incident below:
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Preparedness
Teen’s Carjacking Attempt Teaches Suspect A Hard Lesson
In a startling turn of events in Raleigh, North Carolina, a 17-year-old’s attempt at carjacking quickly unraveled, demonstrating the risks involved when targeting armed citizens. The incident unfolded on a Sunday night, with the young suspect’s plans going awry almost immediately.
The teenager, armed and dangerous, initiated the carjacking in the Red Roof Inn parking lot along Arrow Road. Despite his aggressive approach, the suspect’s aim left much to be desired. “Well, would y’all look at it — a free notice to all wannabe carjackers!” a commenter remarked on social media. The intended victim, a man, emerged unscathed, largely due to the suspect’s poor marksmanship.
Crucially, the victim was not defenseless. He had his own firearm and was prepared to use it. According to police reports, the man returned fire, successfully wounding the teen. The suspect was subsequently transported to a hospital, where he was treated for injuries that were not life-threatening.
The community’s response to the incident has been supportive of the victim’s actions. “Glad [the] victim was able to defend himself,” one commenter noted, reflecting a broader sentiment of approval for self-defense in such dangerous situations. Another individual expressed satisfaction that the victim fought back, stating, “Glad to see someone fighting back with these punk[s].”
As the investigation continues, charges are pending against the young suspect. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences for those who engage in criminal activities, especially in areas where citizens are armed and ready to protect themselves.
Watch a local news report about the incident below:
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Preparedness
Homeowner’s Christmas Night Defense Sparks Debate in Tight-Knit Community
In the early hours following Christmas Day, a tragic incident unfolded in Madison, Indiana, when a homeowner reportedly shot and killed two intruders. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office received a distress call at 3:48 a.m. on December 26 from a resident on North Bulldog Drive. The caller, who claimed to have shot two individuals who had broken into his home, brought attention to a situation that has left the community on edge.
Upon arrival, deputies discovered the bodies of Dalton Keith Skirvin, 27, and Kaleb Adam Skirvin, 29, both of whom were brothers and residents of Madison. Their past records reveal that Dalton had faced multiple charges related to theft and burglary in 2017 and 2018.
A neighbor, Heather, who resides a few houses away from the scene, described the homeowner as a “friendly guy, never had any issues with him. Sweet neighbor.” Having lived in the area for nearly two decades, Heather emphasized the close-knit nature of the community, noting that everyone knows each other. She also mentioned that she went to school with the Skirvin brothers.
The neighborhood has experienced a series of break-ins recently, with one occurring just days before the fatal shooting at the same residence. Charles Pruitt, who lives across the street, recounted a conversation with the homeowner a few nights prior. “He called me and told me that somebody broke into his garage,” Pruitt shared.
Reflecting on the incident, Pruitt expressed his concerns: “It’s scary. Could have been my house they broke into.” This sentiment resonates with other residents who have chosen to remain off-camera but acknowledge the growing unease due to the recent burglaries.
As the investigation continues, it remains uncertain whether the homeowner will face any charges related to the incident. The community, while grappling with the aftermath, is left to ponder the delicate balance between self-defense and the tragic loss of life.
Watch a local news report about the incident below:
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
-
Tactical9 months ago
70-Year-Old Fends Off Intruder with Lead-Powered Message
-
Preparedness6 months ago
Ex-Ballerina’s Guilty Verdict Sends Tremors Through Gun-Owner Community
-
Tactical9 months ago
Vape Shop Employee Confronts Armed Crooks, Sends Them Running
-
Preparedness4 months ago
Good Samaritan Saves Trooper in Harrowing Interstate Confrontation
-
Tactical9 months ago
Midnight SUV Theft Interrupted by Armed Homeowner’s Retaliation
-
Survival Stories1 year ago
Emily’s 30-Day Experience of Being Stranded on a Desert Island
-
Preparedness4 months ago
Arizona Engineer’s Headless Body Found in Desert: Friend Charged
-
Preparedness4 months ago
Boy Saves Dad from Bear Attack with One Perfect Shot
Don
October 18, 2024 at 12:25 pm
These animals need to be put down.