The elderly Michigan homeowner who was allegedly murdered by two men posing as utility workers has featured in heartfelt tributes from his family.
Hussein Murray, 72, of Rochester Hills, about 25 miles from Detroit, was found dead in his basement, while his unidentified wife, also 72, was bound with duct tape on Friday.
One of the suspects, Carlos Jose Hernandez, 37, of Dearborn, was arrested Saturday after authorities located him on Interstate 49 at LA Hwy 169 in Louisiana, police said.
Hernandez was detained “without incident” and transported to the Caddo Correctional Center. He has been charged with felony murder and two counts of false imprisonment, according to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office.
The second suspect is still at large as authorities have asked the public to help them identify him.
Murray’s wife was briefly hospitalized after the horrific incident and has since been released, according to the sheriff’s office.
Hussein Murray, 72, of Rochester Hills, was found dead in his basement, while his unidentified wife, also 72, was bound with duct tape Friday after two men posing as utility workers public entered his house.
One of the suspects, Carlos Jose Hernandez, 37, of Dearborn, was arrested Saturday after authorities located him on Interstate 49 at LA Hwy 169 in Louisiana, police said.
Chilling video captured the moment Hernandez and his accomplice approached the couple’s front door, claiming to be employees of Detroit Edison Energy Company (DTE).
“We are DTE,” said Hernández, dressed in a long white T-shirt, a mask and a yellow reflective vest. “We’re checking for gas leaks,” he continued, before showing a clipboard with a piece of paper.
Another man, dressed in the same suit, was seen keeping watch from the main entrance around 8 p.m.
The suspects tried to approach the couple Thursday about the alleged gas leak, but Murray would not allow them inside, the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office said.
When Hernandez and the other man returned Friday, Murray “signed a paper purportedly from DTE and escorted the defendant to the basement,” according to the prosecutor’s office.
Once inside the luxury home, the suspects went upstairs and asked Murray’s wife “where the money and jewelry were,” before taping her ankles, wrists and mouth with duct tape and taking her phone. , the authorities revealed.
The suspects attempted to approach the couple on Thursday about the alleged gas leak, but Murray did not allow them in until Friday.
Hernández and his accomplice fled the house in a truck with a DTE sign.
Murray’s wife managed to call 911 and told officials she thought her husband may have been kidnapped, according to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.
After officers arrived at the scene, they found Murray’s deceased body in the basement, with his ankles and wrists also bound with duct tape, prosecutors said.
It’s unclear whether Murray, a business owner in Wayne County, was shot or “bludgeoned to death” due to “the gruesome nature of the injuries,” the sheriff’s office added. His death was ruled a homicide on Saturday.
‘This was a shocking attack on an elderly couple in their home. “I have authorized the highest charge that carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole for this brutal crime,” said Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald.
“My office will work diligently to ensure this individual is held accountable and the public is safe from violent predators.”
It is unclear whether the vicious attack was planned or random and whether the suspects took items from the home. DailyMail.com contacted the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office and the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office for comment.
Chilling video captured the moment Hernandez and his accomplice approached the couple’s front door, claiming to be employees of Detroit Edison Energy Company (DTE).
While officials attempt to pursue the other suspect, Hernandez is currently receiving help at the Caddo Correctional Center, jail records revealed.
A spokesperson for the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office said cnn that if Hernandez waives his right to an extradition hearing, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office will take him back to Michigan.
After the tragic incident, DTE Energy issued a statement alert people to ‘copycats’ and provide customers with ways to determine if they are interacting with someone employed by the company.
“Our hearts go out to the victims of this horrific and tragic event, and we hope that the perpetrators are quickly apprehended and brought to justice,” the Detroit-based company said.
‘If someone comes to your home or business claiming to be from DTE, ask to see a badge with a photo ID.
‘If the person refuses to show their license plate, do not allow them entry into your home. If the person becomes agitated or acts strangely, call 911 immediately.
Heartbroken family members took to Facebook to pay their respects to Murray following his terrifying death.
Murray’s only grandson, Hussein (pictured), who shares a name with his grandfather, remembers him as “selfless and compassionate.”
‘They didn’t deserve this. It’s just not fair. I can’t believe they did this. “I’m so heartbroken right now,” his other grandson, Tarek Murray, said on Facebook.
‘My grandfather, Hussein Murray, was murdered today in a home invasion/robbery. “My grandmother was beaten, but is currently stable and safe,” Tarek Murray, her grandson, said on Facebook.
‘They didn’t deserve this. It’s just not fair. I can’t believe they did this. I’m so broken right now. Please keep my family in your thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.”
Murray’s other grandson, Hussein, who shares a name with his grandfather, remembers him as “selfless and compassionate.”
‘A man who spread so much warmth and joy to everyone in his family, and someone whose smile could make you feel like the world was yours.
“The car trips he took me on, the days he let me pretend I was a worker in his store as a child, and the memories of his upbringing in Lebanon that he shared with me when we had breakfast together are things I love.” “I’ve held on and things that I will continue to hold on to for the rest of my life,” Hussein said.
“I am very proud to have been your grandson and may Allah grant you the most beautiful garden in Jannah,” he added.