Man Posing as Utility Worker Charged With Murder in Rochester Hills Home Invasion
Update ---> October 14, 4:00 PM: Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard reports that a second suspect has been arrested in connection to the Rochester Hills home invasion. He was arrested during a routine traffic stop in Plymouth Township and was taken into custody without incident. <--- End Update.
One of two suspects who allegedly killed a homeowner in Rochester Hills has been charged after posing as DTE utility workers and breaking into a couple's home.
Suspects Pose as DTE Energy Workers to Search for Valuables
The two men dressed as utility workers and claimed to be from DTE Energy on Friday (10/11) in order to gain access to the couple's home. The men wore vests, carried clipboards, and had a DTE Energy placard on their vehicle. The men attempted the ruse Thursday evening but were turned away. They returned on Friday, telling the homeowners they were checking for gas leaks.
Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard tells WXYZ-TV that the husband accompanied the men into the basement where he was killed. They returned upstairs, bound the wife with duct tape and searched the home for about 20 minutes.
The homeowner killed in the incident was identified as 72-year-old Hussein Murray. He was the owner of Gold and Glitter Jewelry in Hamtramck. Authorities believe that the men knew who the homeowner was and were searching for valuables possibly connected to the man's store.
Suspect Arrested in Louisiana
Police announced on social media this weekend that one of the suspects had been arrested. Carlos Hernandez was arrested in Shreveport, Louisiana but authorities are still searching for the second suspect.
Hernandez faces felony murder charges and two counts of unlawful imprisonment.
A Warning From DTE Energy
DTE urges customers to be cautious when letting utility workers into their homes. The utility will call homeowners before arriving. All employees are required to carry badges and customers can call the utility to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a utility workers.
Footage from the homeowner's Ring doorbell is included in the video below.
Peek Inside Uncle Kracker's Harrison Township Home
Gallery Credit: George McIntyre