Rochester Hills, MI – An alleged homicide involving two men impersonating utility workers has resulted in murder charges against one suspect, while the search for his accomplice continues. Oakland County officials confirmed that the two men, posing as utility technicians, targeted a local homeowner, leading to his death and the assault of his wife in their residence last week.
Carlos Jose Hernandez, 37, of Dearborn, was arraigned and faces charges of felony murder and unlawful imprisonment in connection to the death of 72-year-old Hussein Murray. As of Sunday, he awaits extradition proceedings in Louisiana, where he was recently detained by local authorities.
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard described the incident as a deeply troubling crime, vowing to seek full accountability for the perpetrators. The grim discovery was made in Murray’s basement on Newcastle Drive, where his wife, having been incapacitated by the assailants, later managed to contact the police. She recounted that the deception began Thursday night when the two men, falsely claiming a gas leak, attempted to gain entry into their home but were initially turned away.
The assailants returned on Friday, and Murray was coerced into leading them to the basement under the pretense of investigating the alleged leak. His subsequent absence alarmed his bound wife, who feared he had been abducted.
The first responding deputies found Murray deceased, noting the severe nature of his injuries which initially left unclear whether he had been shot or bludgeoned. The arrest of Hernandez followed swiftly after, being apprehended by sheriff’s deputies in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, on Saturday, when his vehicle was spotted on Interstate 49.
The ongoing investigation seeks to locate and arrest the unidentified second suspect. Authorities and Crime Stoppers have solicited tips from the public, offering a reward of up to $2,000 for information that leads to an arrest.
This tragic event highlights concerns regarding the impersonation of service workers as a tactic in criminal activities. Community members are urged to verify the credentials of any utility worker seeking entry to their properties and to report any suspicious activities to local authorities to prevent further incidents.
Local law enforcement, alongside community safety advocates, are working to increase awareness about such deceptive practices and enhancing measures to ensure the safety and security of residents in the wake of this disturbing crime. As the community reels from this incident, the quest for justice for Murray and the prevention of similar crimes remains a high priority.