Carlos Jose Hernandez, 37, was charged with felony murder and two counts of unlawful imprisonment after posing as a utility worker to gain entrance to a Michigan house and committing a “gruesome” attack that led to the death of Hussein Murray, 72, and the tying up of his wife. Hernandez was caught on doorbell camera footage, along with another unidentified man, wearing masks and yellow fluorescent vests claiming to be from a local energy company. Hernandez was arrested in Louisiana after being spotted traveling south on I-49 and is also wanted in Ohio for an alleged armed robbery.
The suspects had a phony work order and fake ID badges. Murray’s wife managed to call 911 after being duct-taped and briefly hospitalized after being struck by Hernandez. The suspects searched the house for money and jewelry, taking the woman’s phone and watch. Murray was found dead in the basement with his wrists and ankles duct-taped.
Investigators believe the couple may have been targeted due to their ownership of a jewelry and pawn shop in Detroit. Felony Murder carries a mandatory life without parole sentence, while unlawful imprisonment is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. DTE Energy warned against letting imposters into homes and advised residents to ask for photo ID and call to verify workers’ credentials. Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald called the attack a “gruesome” and “brutal crime.”
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