Authorities in Michigan are actively pursuing the second suspect involved in a tragic home invasion that resulted in the murder of 72-year-old Hussein Murray and the assault of his wife. The incident occurred in Rochester Hills, a Detroit suburb, where two men impersonated utility workers to gain entry into the victims' home.
One of the suspects, 37-year-old Carlos Jose Hernandez of Dearborn, has been apprehended in Louisiana and charged with felony murder and unlawful imprisonment. The other suspect remains at large as of Monday morning.
Security footage captured the suspects, dressed in yellow fluorescent vests and masks, presenting a fake work order to gain access to the residence. Once inside, they demanded money and jewelry from the victims, leading to a violent confrontation that left Murray dead and his wife bound.
The quick thinking of the female victim, who managed to call 911 during the ordeal, alerted authorities to the situation. She was later hospitalized for her injuries.
The suspects fled the scene with valuables and were last seen driving a white pickup truck with a DTE energy decal. Investigators believe the couple was targeted due to their ownership of a jewelry and pawn shop in the area.
Hernandez, the captured suspect, faces additional charges in Ohio related to an alleged armed robbery. The U.S. Marshals Service is assisting in the case.
Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald has condemned the attack as a 'gruesome' crime and has authorized severe penalties for those responsible.
DTE Energy issued a warning to residents, urging them to verify the identity of any utility workers before allowing them into their homes. The company provided a hotline for verification purposes.
Law enforcement officials are actively pursuing leads to locate the remaining suspect and bring him to justice.
'One way or another we will find you,' stated Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard in a public statement.
