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Fake Utility Workers: How a Deadly Home Invasion Unfolded

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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.


In light of incidents where criminals impersonate utility workers to gain access to homes, what measures do you believe are most effective for ensuring personal safety and legal protection?

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  1. Don

    October 18, 2024 at 12:25 pm

    These animals need to be put down.

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Preparedness

Intruder Meets Armed Homeowner: A Sobering Tale of Consequences

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In the early morning hours of a rural home in Herrick, Illinois, became the scene of a fatal encounter when an intruder ignored warnings and met a tragic end. Shelby County Sheriff Brian McReynolds confirmed the incident, stating that the intruder, identified as 19-year-old Wade M. Barnes from Cowden, had previous run-ins with law enforcement.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office received a distress call at 5:25 a.m. about a home invasion underway. Sheriff McReynolds noted in a press release that Barnes was known to the authorities due to past incidents, including an ongoing criminal case. Just earlier this month, Barnes faced multiple charges, including “aggravated fleeing from a police officer, possessing a firearm without a state Firearm Owner’s Identification Card, and transporting liquor by a driver under 21.”

During the home invasion, Barnes reportedly threatened the occupants. In response, one of the residents retrieved a firearm and issued a clear verbal warning for Barnes to halt.

“Barnes continued into the residence, ignoring the warning,” McReynolds stated.

As a result, shots were fired, striking Barnes. Emergency medical services were dispatched to the scene, and Barnes was transported to Good Shepherd Hospital in Shelbyville, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at 7:16 a.m.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is actively investigating the incident, with assistance from state police, the Shelby County Coroner, and the Shelby County State’s Attorney. This tragic event marks another chapter in Barnes’ troubled history, as he had previously been charged with “aggravated fleeing and speeding 35 miles per hour over the speed limit” earlier this year.

The incident has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with many commenters expressing support for the homeowner’s actions. One individual remarked, “It’s about time people start defending themselves again!!! Great job!!!”

Another comment highlighted the perceived inevitability of consequences for criminal activities: “If you are going to engage in criminal activity, you accept the consequences. I did not get shot recently; probably because I don’t do crimes. Hmmmmm.”

The sentiment was echoed by another user who quipped, “The criminals’ anthem… another one bites the dust!”

As the investigation unfolds, the community reflects on the balance between self-defense and the tragic outcomes that can arise from such confrontations.


What is your opinion on the use of firearms by homeowners for self-defense in cases of home intrusion?

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Teen Shooter Dies, Homeowner Faces Charges After Party Chaos

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In a recent incident in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a high school party took a tragic turn when a teenager opened fire, leading to his own death. However, the individual who shot the teen will not face charges, while the homeowner who allegedly allowed the party is now facing serious legal consequences.

Joanna Eastes, 42, was taken into custody by Fort Wayne police on charges including neglect of a dependent and furnishing property for minors to consume alcohol, both felonies. Additionally, she faces a misdemeanor charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. She is currently held at the Allen County Jail.

The incident occurred at Eastes’ residence on Manistee Drive, where a Halloween party was organized primarily for high school students. According to police, the event was publicized on social media, and attendees were encouraged to bring their own alcohol and marijuana. Security measures included pat-downs for weapons before entering the house.

However, the party soon spiraled out of control, and Eastes reportedly “retreated to her bedroom and locked the door” without notifying authorities. This decision has been a focal point in the charges against her.

The situation escalated when 17-year-old Willie Ivy III and his friends arrived, bypassing the security checks by entering through the back door. Ivy then brandished a handgun and began shooting as he moved through the home. His actions resulted in nine attendees, aged 14 to 20, being wounded. Fortunately, their injuries were not life-threatening.

One partygoer, who was also injured in the chaos, returned fire, ultimately fatally wounding Ivy. Police have stated that this individual’s actions were justified under Indiana’s self-defense laws, and he will not face criminal charges.

Ivy, who attended North Side High School, was found deceased in the yard of a nearby home. The incident has left the community grappling with the consequences of that night.

This case highlights the potential repercussions of hosting unsupervised gatherings where minors have access to alcohol and drugs. As the legal proceedings unfold, it serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities homeowners bear when allowing such events to occur on their property.


What is the most important consideration when evaluating the legal outcomes of self-defense cases involving firearms at private gatherings?

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Concealed-Carry Hero Stops Armed Shoplifter Outside Illinois Walgreens

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In the early hours of the morning, a confrontation outside a Walgreens store in Calumet City, Illinois, escalated into a fatal incident involving an alleged shoplifter and a concealed-carrying employee. The store, located in the 500 block of Torrence Avenue, became the scene of a tense encounter when employees confronted two individuals suspected of shoplifting.

The suspects, a 42-year-old male and a 48-year-old female, reportedly took items without paying. Employees managed to retrieve the merchandise from the female suspect, who then fled the scene on foot. However, the situation took a dangerous turn when the male suspect pulled out a handgun during the confrontation.

In response, a Walgreens employee, who was also a security guard and held a valid concealed-carry license, fired at the suspect. The suspect, identified as Mario Almendarez of Chicago, was hit in the chest. Authorities later found Almendarez driving a vehicle on Sibley Boulevard near Yates Avenue. He was transported to a trauma center where he succumbed to his injuries.

The incident has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with many expressing support for the employee’s actions.

“He should be promoted to store manager,” one commenter remarked. Another added, “He should get a medal.”

The Calumet City Police Department has launched an investigation into the shooting and is encouraging anyone with information to reach out to them at 708-868-2500.

The event has generated a significant amount of discussion online, with nearly 200 comments on WMAQ’s Facebook post about the incident. Many users have voiced their approval of the employee’s actions, with comments such as “Another one for the good guys” and “Employee of the year!” reflecting the general sentiment.

“Awesome!!!!!!” exclaimed another user, emphasizing the need for more actions like this. However, there is a concern that Walgreens management might not support the employee’s decision, with one commenter suggesting, “Although kooky lame woke and perpetually incompetent Walgreens [management] will probably fire the guy.”

In a final note, a user succinctly captured the mood with, “F around and found out. Only way they’ll learn.”


What are your thoughts on the Walgreens incident?

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