A Harmful Hoax: Home Invasion Turns Deadly

In a deceitful ploy, a man impersonated a utility worker to trick his way into a Michigan home. Sadly, this ruse led to the murder of 72-year-old Hussein Murray and the assault of his wife. The scammer, Carlos Jose Hernandez, 37, from Dearborn, Michigan, was later caught in Louisiana while police hunt for his accomplice. Hernandez and the other man used masks and yellow vests to look like utility workers. They even had fake IDs and a fake work order. They managed to enter the house in Rochester Hills, a Detroit suburb, by claiming they were checking for gas leaks. Once inside, the pair demanded money and jewelry from the woman, who was tied up with duct tape. They took her phone and watch before descending to the basement, where Murray was later found dead. The husband signed a false work order and escorted them to the basement. Shortly after, the criminals demanded money and jewelry from the woman, duct-taping her hands and feet. When she screamed, one of the suspects hit her. Murray's wife, tied up and threatened, somehow managed to free herself enough to call 911. She was briefly hospitalized after the ordeal. The two suspects came to the house on Thursday night but were turned away. They returned the next morning and were let in. They left in a white pickup truck marked with DTE Energy signs. Authorities believe the suspects targeted the house due to rumors of valuables or money. The case highlights the importance of verifying workers' identities before letting them into your home. The couple's family expressed their heartbreak but vowed to stay strong.