A man caught on camera as a utility worker broke into a Michigan home on Friday has been accused of killing a man and tying up his wife in a “horrific” attack, prosecutors said Sunday.
Carlos Jose Hernandez, 37, of Dearborn, Michigan, was arrested in Louisiana and charged with felony murder and two counts of unlawful imprisonment. The Oakland County Sheriff's Office said Sunday.
Authorities released doorbell camera footage showing Hernandez and another man, wearing masks and yellow fluorescent vests, asking to enter a home in Rochester Hills, a suburb of Detroit, claiming they belonged to a local energy company. “We’re DTE, we’re checking for gas leaks,” Hernandez said.
The pair had a fake work order on a clipboard and fake identification badges.
Hernandez was arrested Saturday in Shreveport, Louisiana, according to the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office, which took him into custody after seeing him traveling south on I-49 from Arkansas. He also has a warrant for his arrest for an alleged armed robbery in Ohio.
The search continues for the second unidentified man seen in the video.
The deceased has been identified as Hussain Murray (72).
Murray's family said in a statement: “We are heartbroken by the news of his passing, but our family will be bound by the determination that he was the man he was with us.”
Oakland County prosecutors said in a statement that Murray signed a document that the suspects claimed was a work order and took them to the basement.
“Shortly thereafter, the defendant and another man approached and asked the victim where the money and jewelry were,” the prosecution said.
“They put duct tape on his wrists and ankles. At one point, she started screaming and the defendant hit her in the face.”
The accused and another suspect searched the house and took the woman's phone and watch. Murray was found dead in the basement with her wrists and ankles bound with duct tape.
The alarm was raised by Murray's wife, who somehow managed to reach a telephone and call 911, and was briefly hospitalized after the ordeal.
“He was actually in the kitchen area and was able to free himself enough to get that phone,” Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard told NBC News.
The two suspects arrived at the house around 10pm on Thursday, but were removed. When they arrive at 10am, they can enter. The couple left in a white pickup truck with a DTE Energy license plate.
Police believe the two suspects may have attacked the home with prior knowledge of valuables or money. Investigators said the couple owned a jewelry store and pawn shop in Detroit.
“This will be an ongoing part of our investigation, what got them in the door to that specific tragic moment,” Bouchard said.
“This was a horrific attack on an elderly couple in their home,” said Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald. “I approved the maximum charge carrying life imprisonment without parole for this heinous crime.”
Intentional homicide is a crime punishable by life in prison without parole, while unlawful imprisonment is a crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
DTE Energy released a statement to not allow people to cheat in their homes.
“If someone comes to your home or business saying they are from DTE, ask for a photo badge. If the person refuses to show their badge, do not let them in,” said the company.
Residents can call DTE at 800-477-4747 to verify any employee's credentials.
