Michigan Home Invasion: Two Suspects Charged in Businessman’s Death

Authorities in Michigan have formally charged two suspects in connection with a deadly home invasion that resulted in the death of Hussein Murray, a 72-year-old businessman from Rochester Hills. The incident occurred on October 11, 2024, when two men, posing as utility workers, were admitted to the victim’s home and subsequently committed the crime. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office confirmed these developments in a recent press release.

The second suspect, identified as Joshua Zuazo, 39, of Dearborn, Michigan, has been charged with felony murder and two counts of unlawful imprisonment. The warrant for Zuazo’s arrest, carrying a potential life sentence for felony murder and 15-year sentences for each count of unlawful imprisonment, was signed by 52-3 District Judge Laura Polizzi. He is currently held in the Oakland County Jail and is set for arraignment, as per the sheriff’s office.

Hussein Murray was discovered deceased in the basement of his residence after his wife, whose hands were duct-taped, managed to call 911. She reported that the night before the attack, the suspects had appeared at their doorstep claiming to check for a gas leak but were denied entry. When they returned the following morning, Murray accompanied them to the basement, under the pretense of locating the leak. Afterward, the suspects tied up his wife but left her husband unseen, leading her to assume he had been abducted.

Security camera footage released by authorities shows the suspects dressed in utility worker uniforms and wearing masks. One of the men, identified in the footage, falsely claimed to represent DTE, a Michigan-based energy company. Carlos Jose Hernandez, the second suspect aged 37, was apprehended in Shreveport, Louisiana, shortly after the incident and also faces murder charges. Efforts are underway for his extradition to Michigan.

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard lauded the rapid advancement of the case by law enforcement, crediting their efforts in swiftly apprehending the suspects and gathering necessary evidence for prosecution. The investigation continues as more details emerge regarding the motives behind the home invasion.