Michigan Pair Sentenced to Life After Robbing and Killing 72-Year-Old Jeweler Grandpa While Posing as Gas Workers, Judge Calls Crime “Pathetic”
ROCHESTER HILLS, MICHIGAN — Two Michigan men will spend the rest of their lives in prison after prosecutors say they posed as utility workers to rob and brutally kill a 72-year-old jewelry store owner inside his upscale Rochester Hills home. A judge called the men’s actions “pathetic” and “depraved,” saying the pair slaughtered an innocent grandfather to fund a fantasy lifestyle.
Killers Disguised Themselves as Gas Employees to Enter Home, Prosecutors Say
According to investigators, Carlos Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo visited the home of Hussein Murray on two consecutive days in October 2024, pretending to be employees checking for gas leaks.
On the first day, Murray’s wife mentioned a gun in the home, and the men left immediately.
But the next day, Murray allowed them inside the basement.
Prosecutors say the men then tied his wife, Linda Murray, with duct tape and attacked the victim, beating him so severely that his:
- Jaw was broken into multiple pieces
- Throat bone was fractured in two places
His cause of death was listed as neck compression.
The attackers demanded jewelry and cash and fled in a stolen pickup truck disguised with utility company decals.
Text Messages Reveal Motive: “Hope We Get Enough Money to Buy a House”
Evidence presented in court showed the men planned the robbery carefully, texting about finding “a big score.”
In messages exchanged just days before the killing, Hernandez’s wife encouraged him, writing:
“I hope we get enough money to buy a house.”
Hernandez responded:
“Our own home.”
The woman added:
“So we can have a nice backyard.”
Prosecutors said the pair acted out of greed, hoping the robbery would fund the “house of their dreams.”
Judge Condemns Attack as “Arrogance and Greed”
During Tuesday’s sentencing, Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Yasmine Poles issued blistering remarks about the defendants.
“Rarely does the court see this level of depravity, this level of arrogance and greed,” she said.
“It is pathetic — your actions are absolutely pathetic.”
The judge emphasized that Murray and his wife showed kindness when the attackers first visited their home.
“He looked you in the eye and was kind. That didn’t stop you. You just altered your plan and came back.”
Both men were convicted of first-degree felony murder and will die behind bars with no possibility of parole.
Victim’s Sons Say Their Father Was the “Lion” Who Protected Their Family
Murray’s three adult sons addressed the court, describing their father as a hardworking grandfather who built a life through decades of effort.
One son said:
“[They] planned a heist to get the house of their dreams … and they snatched our father away.”
“With one act of trust based on one act of deceit, the lion that protected my mom was slain.”
The family’s grief was compounded by the brutality of the attack and the fact that Murray’s widow witnessed parts of the crime while bound.
Body camera footage from police showed her wrists tied as she told officers:
“I don’t know where he is. He might be in the basement.”
Defendants Left Trail of Evidence After “Pathetic” Attempt at a Getaway
After killing Murray, Hernandez and Zuazo fled with stolen jewelry in a truck marked with fake utility logos.
Police later recovered:
- Blood-covered weights next to the victim
- Stolen items taken from the home
- Extensive text messages detailing the planned robbery
Judge Poles noted:
“Every little pathetic, cowardice act you did left a trail of evidence … leading to quick convictions.”
Both defendants declined to speak during their sentencing.
As the Rochester Hills community continues to mourn the loss of a beloved neighbor and business owner, prosecutors say the life sentences bring a measure of justice to Murray’s family. For more updates on major criminal cases across the U.S., visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.