Two men posing as utility workers have been arrested following a fatal home invasion, according to police.
The authorities reported that on Friday 37-year-old Carlos Jose Hernandez and another unidentified suspect approached a residence on the 3700 block of Newcastle Drive in Michigan.
Captured on Ring doorbell footage donning safety vests and presenting fraudulent paperwork, they claimed they were representatives from DTE Energy and there to inspect for gas leaks.
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Once granted access, they descended to the basement where they shot and killed 72-year-old Hussein Murray, as stated by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office. They also restrained his wife, who managed to dial 911 amidst the chaos.
(Image: Oakland County Sheriff’s Office)
“Shortly thereafter, the defendant and the other male came up and asked the female victim where the money and jewellery were,” the prosecutor’s office revealed, as reported by NBC News. “They duct-taped her wrists and ankles. At one point, she started to scream, and the defendant hit her across the face.”
The suspects made their escape in a white pick-up truck bearing a DTE energy decal. This was their second attempt at breaking in, having been rebuffed the previous day, said the police, reports the Mirror US.
The authorities speculate that the culprits were aiming to pilfer valuables from the couple, who operate a pawn shop and jewellery store in Hamtramck.
Cops managed to arrest Hernandez in Louisiana, charging him with felony murder and unlawful imprisonment charges, according to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office’s Facebook page. On Monday, his mystery partner in crime got collared during a traffic stop in Plymouth Township, the police reported.
(Image: Oakland County Sheriff’s Office)
“This was a gruesome attack on an elderly couple in their home,” declared Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald. “I have authorized the highest charge which carries a mandatory life without parole sentence for this brutal crime.”
DTE Energy has issued a statement to customers: “If anyone arrives at your home or business saying they are from DTE, please ask to see a badge with photo ID. If the person refuses to show their badge, do not allow them inside,” the company advised. If in doubt, call 800-477-4747 to see if the workers are legit.
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