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:

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