Impersonating Utility Workers Leads to Gruesome Murder of 72-Year-Old in Michigan

A man, Carlos Jose Hernandez, 37, from Dearborn, Michigan, was caught on camera posing as a utility worker to gain entrance to a house in Michigan. He has been charged with murdering a man in a "gruesome" attack and tying up his wife, as stated by prosecutors.

Felony Charges and Arrest

Hernandez was arrested in Louisiana and charged with felony murder and two counts of unlawful imprisonment, according to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office. Furthermore, the authorities released doorbell camera footage showing Hernandez and another man wearing masks and yellow fluorescent vests, asking for entry to the house in Rochester Hills, a Detroit suburb, claiming they were from a local energy company.

The duo had a phony work order on a clipboard and fake ID badges to support their act. Hernandez was arrested on Saturday in Shreveport, Louisiana, as per Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, which apprehended him after spotting him traveling south on I-49 from Arkansas. Additionally, there is a warrant for his arrest in Ohio in connection with an alleged armed robbery.

The Victims and Their Ordeal

The man who was killed was identified as Hussein Murray, 72, and his family expressed their heartbreak and resolve in a statement. According to the Oakland County prosecutors, Murray signed a piece of paper the suspects claimed was a works order and escorted them to the basement. Shortly after, the suspects interrogated the female victim about the money and jewelry, duct-taping her wrists and ankles significantly injuring her in the process.

The suspects searched the house and took the woman's phone and watch. Subsequently, Murray was found dead in the basement with his wrists and ankles duct-taped. The alarm was raised by Murray’s wife, who managed to reach a phone and call 911, although she required brief hospitalization afterward. The two suspects arrived at the home on Thursday at 10 p.m. but were turned away before being let in the next day. They left in a white pickup truck featuring a DTE Energy sign.

Possible Motive and Continued Investigation

Police suspect that the two suspects might have been targeting the house due to prior knowledge of valuables or money they expected to find there, noting that the couple owned a Detroit jewelry and pawn shop. Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard stated, "That's going to be a continuing part of our investigation, what put them on that door for that particular tragic moment.”

Charges and Possible Consequences

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald condemned the barbaric act, stating, “This was a gruesome attack on an elderly couple in their home. I have authorized the highest charge which carries a mandatory life without parole sentence for this brutal crime.” Felony Murder is punishable by life without parole, while unlawful imprisonment is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.