Rochester Hills Home Invasion: 72-Year-Old Man Murdered, Wife Bound by Fake Utility Workers



In a shocking case from Rochester Hills, Michigan, a 72-year-old man was killed, and his wife was restrained with duct tape.

This was after two individuals posing as DTE utility workers invaded their home. 

The Oakland County Sheriff's Office has confirmed the arrest of the two suspects.

Carlos Hernandez, a 37-year-old man, was arrested as the first suspect on Saturday in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Hernandez faces charges of felony murder and two counts of unlawful imprisonment, as announced by Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald.



The fatal encounter happened on Newcastle Drive in Rochester Hills, Michigan on October 11, 2024.

The two suspects approached the victims home, claiming they were there to check a gas leak. 

Hussein Murray, the homeowner, unknowingly led the men to his basement.

Sadly, he was brutally murdered by this assailant in his basement.

Sheriff Mike Bouchard explained that Murray’s wife lost sight of her husband after he went downstairs with the men. 

Shortly after, the suspects came back upstairs. 

They restrained her with duct tape, and searched the house for about 20 minutes before leaving.

Tragically, when police arrived and searched the house, they found Murray dead in the basement. 

The exact cause of death remains unclear.

However, there were significant signs of trauma at the scene.

Murray's wife, also 72, was taken to the hospital for treatment. 



The couple was well-known in the area, with Murray being a local business owner in Wayne County.

Surveillance footage from the couple's home showed the suspects arriving in a truck. 

They then got out and presented a document displaying the DTE logo to look legit.

Investigators believe the men had attempted to enter the house the previous night but were denied access. 

However, they returned the following day.

This time, they convinced Murray to let them inside by falsely claiming they were there to fix a gas leak.

Neighbors are still in shock as a result of this violent incident. 

"It’s hard to believe something like this could happen in a place so quiet," said one local resident.

In response, DTE Energy issued a statement.

They urged customers to always check identification when approached by someone claiming to work for them. 

They outlined several steps for verifying worker credentials.

They also  reminded the public that DTE employees always carry photo ID badges and often contact homeowners before arriving for any work.





8 Essential Home Safety Tips to Protect Yourself from Imposters

1. Always Verify Identification: Ask for photo ID from anyone claiming to represent a company. 

Call the company’s official number to verify the person’s legitimacy before granting access to your home.

2. Use a Peep Hole or Security Camera: Don’t open the door without checking who’s outside. 

Peep holes or security cameras are great tools to help you see before you speak.

3. Never Let Anyone Rush You: Scammers often create a false sense of urgency. 

Take your time to verify their story. Legitimate workers will understand if you need to confirm their identity.

4. Set up a Neighborhood Watch: Keeping an eye on each other’s homes can help the entire neighborhood stay alert and aware of suspicious activity. 

Create a network of trust and communication.

5. Be Mindful of Uniforms and Logos: Don’t let a uniform or logo sway you. 

Scammers can easily acquire fake uniforms and signs. Always rely on personal verification rather than appearances.

6. Install Strong Locks and Reinforce Entry Points: Secure doors and windows with reliable locks.

Also consider using additional reinforcements like deadbolts or security bars to make it harder for criminals to force their way in.

7. Stay Connected with Safety Apps: Download the free Citizen App to stay updated on nearby incidents. 

This real-time safety tool alerts you to any criminal activity happening in your area and helps you make informed decisions.

8. Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, it probably is. 

Don’t hesitate to lock the door and call authorities if a person or situation feels wrong. Your safety comes first, always.

By taking these precautions, you can add layers of protection to your home and reduce the risks posed by imposters or criminals.

The investigation is currently ongoing, and authorities are expected to release more information as it unfolds.

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