ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. (Court TV/Scripps News Detroit) — Two men have been sentenced to life in prison after killing a man after posing as utility workers to get into his Michigan home.
In October, Carlos Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were convicted of murder and unlawful imprisonment in the Oct. 2024 death of 72-year-old Hussein Murray. The victim, who owned a pawn shop and jewelry store, was killed in what Scripps News Detroit described as a planned robbery gone wrong.
Carlos Hernandez (L) and Joshua Zuazo (R) appear in court during their murder trial. (Court TV)
A Ring doorbell camera captured the defendants posing as employees of DTE, a Detroit-based energy company, in search of gas leaks to gain access to the home on Oct. 10. The victim’s wife, Linda Murray, testified that they said they would return the next day on Oct. 11.
When they returned, Hussein led the defendants to the basement for about 10 to 15 minutes before they came back upstairs, demanding access to their safe and jewelry, Linda testified. The defendants bound Linda’s legs and wrists with duct tape and robbed the home. Hussein’s body was found in the basement with duct tape around his face, hands and feet, according to a medical examiner.
Hernandez and Zuazo were sentenced to life in prison on Dec. 9.
DAILY TRIAL HIGHLIGHTS
DAY 4 – 10/3/25
- Detective Wendell Smith, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office
- Conducted Miranda rights and interview with defendant
- Testified about defendant’s willingness to talk after being read rights
- Confirmed no fresh wounds were noted on Hernandez during interview
- Interview occurred six days after the incident
- Dr. Shauna Brian, Deputy Chief Medical Examiner, Oakland County Medical Examiner’s Office
- 6 years experience as Deputy Chief Medical Examiner
- Conducted autopsy on Hussein Murray on October 12, 2024
- Victim was 6’2″ and 285 pounds
- Found victim bound with duct tape and zip ties, mouth covered with duct tape
- Missing left shoe, gun holster present but gun missing
- Injuries included:
- Fractured jaw from blunt force trauma
- Broken hyoid bone in two places from neck compression
- Scalp lacerations and tears
- Purple blotching around eyes and facial bruising
- Diffused and linear bruising on throat
- Blood in lungs indicating victim was alive during attack
- Cause of death: Neck compression with contributing neck and head trauma
- Manner of death: Homicide
- Testified substantial force required to cause hyoid bone fracture
- Confirmed victim did not die of heart attack despite having enlarged heart
- Detective Jordan Conley, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office
- 6 years as detective, Officer in Charge of the case
- Testified about cell phone extractions using CelleBrite software
- Obtained search warrants for both defendants’ phones
- Presented extensive text message evidence between Zuazo and Hernandez showing:
- Discussion of lock pick sets and getting into “some shit”
- Planning to get a car and dolly
- References to DTE badges and disguises
- Timeline of communications leading up to and after the crime
- Presented text messages between Hernandez and wife Amanda showing:
- Discussion of badges being delivered
- Planning conversations about the crime
- Instructions to turn off phone during the incident
- References to fake ID badges for “Jonathan Wright” as inspector
- Communications about hard hats, masks, and getaway plans
- Post-crime communications and news coverage links
- Found size 10 shoe belonging to Zuazo during investigation
- Confirmed no text messages contained plans for homicide or references to weapons
- Testified that messages indicated planning for larceny and theft
- State’s Closing Argument, Assistant Prosecutor John Pietrofesa (Zuazo)
- Argued case is first degree felony murder, not premeditated murder
- Emphasized aiding and abetting theory – both defendants equally responsible
- Highlighted text message evidence tying defendants together
- Described elaborate planning and disguise scheme:
- Fake DTE Energy badges and uniforms
- Purchase of duct tape and zip ties at different stores
- Reconnaissance trip the night before
- Argued defendants’ disguises were so effective they fooled neighbors initially
- Described timeline of events:
- Failed entry attempt on October 10th
- Successful entry on October 11th using utility worker ruse
- Zuazo followed victim downstairs while Hernandez stayed upstairs initially
- Emphasized victim identification evidence:
- Mrs. Murray saw Zuazo’s face when mask became dislodged during struggle
- Kelly Broad’s workplace identification of Zuazo
- Argued physical evidence showed two-person attack:
- Both defendants had victim’s blood on them
- Victim’s size and strength required multiple attackers to restrain
- Missing gun taken from victim
- Concluded only thing of value taken was victim’s life
- Defense Closing Argument, Michael McCarthy (Zuazo)
- Challenged identification evidence as unreliable
- Questioned Kelly Broad’s credibility and motives:
- Argued Broad had agenda after being fired
- Noted missing physical evidence like work boots and shirt Broad claimed to see
- Emphasized lack of physical evidence connecting Zuazo to crime:
- No DNA evidence on boots
- No work shirt with St. Mary cement patch found
- Nothing from crime scene found in Zuazo’s home
- Argued Mrs. Murray’s identification was mistaken under traumatic circumstances
- Pointed to Hernandez as the actual planner and leader:
- Hernandez had prior relationship with victim through pawn shop
- Planning materials found in Hernandez’s vehicle, not Zuazo’s
- Size 6X shirt found belonged to much larger Hernandez
- Emphasized Zuazo didn’t flee when arrested at work site
- Argued reasonable doubt exists and requested not guilty verdict
- State’s Rebuttal, Assistant Prosecutor John Pietrofesa (Zuazo)
- Corrected defense misstatements about evidence
- Reinforced Mrs. Murray’s identification reliability:
- She saw Zuazo without mask during struggle
- Her description was consistent from initial report
- Argued extensive planning evidence shows Zuazo’s willing participation
- Emphasized impossibility that someone else did all planning while Zuazo was innocent bystander
- Defense Closing Argument, Paulette Loftin (Hernandez)
- Acknowledged Hernandez’s presence but denied murder intent
- Argued crime was robbery/larceny gone wrong, not planned murder
- Emphasized lack of evidence for premeditated killing:
- No text messages about weapons or murder
- No plan to kill evidenced in communications
- Victim’s wife left alive contradicts murder plan
- Challenged blood evidence and forensic handling:
- Questioned evidence storage and potential contamination
- Noted Hernandez had no blood on him when with Mrs. Murray
- Argued blood transfer could explain evidence
- Highlighted Hernandez’s statement “it wasn’t supposed to happen” regarding victim’s death
- Pointed to elaborate planning for robbery but no murder preparations
- Argued if murder was planned, both victims would have been killed
- Requested not guilty on felony murder, guilty on unlawful imprisonment counts
- State’s Rebuttal, Assistant Prosecutor John Pietrofesa (Hernandez)
- Challenged defense claim that Hernandez was “forthcoming” in interview
- Noted Hernandez wasn’t forthcoming about striking Mrs. Murray
- Reiterated evidence of Hernandez’s full participation in crime
- Used analogy of brothers wrestling to illustrate how victim’s size required multiple attackers
- Argued evidence clearly shows guilt on all charges
- Both defendants were convicted on all counts
- Carlos Hernandez Case
- Count 1: Felony Murder – GUILTY
- Count 2: Unlawful Imprisonment – Hussein Murray – GUILTY
- Count 3: Unlawful Imprisonment – Linda Murray – GUILTY
- Joshua Zuazo Case
- Count 1: Felony Murder – GUILTY
- Count 2: Unlawful Imprisonment – Hussein Murray – GUILTY
- Count 3: Unlawful Imprisonment – Linda Murray – GUILTY
DAY 3 – 10/2/25
- Detective David Pachmeyer, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office:
- Reviewed video from Lowe’s in Allen Park, 3 miles from Hernandez’s home in Lincoln Park
- Met with Mr. Broad at Krispy Kreme to review video of someone Broad believed he worked with
- Watched video multiple times on county laptop, including audio of garage departure
- Broad commented on hearing “come on bro” but video actually said “come on man”
- Found video at Lowe’s and Home Depot through Flock camera system
- No video showing vehicle departure or arrival at Lowe’s
- White vehicle seen again at 12:16 PM going same direction as DTE vehicle
- Vehicle belonged to Hernandez
- Officer Eric Hill, Detroit Police Department:
- Located burning white F150 on East Margaret Street around 12:15-12:20 PM
- Observed smoke while in plain clothes in personal car, fire fighters were already on scene
- Called dispatch to have marked vehicle tow the burned car
- Lt. Martez Dixon, Detroit Fire Department:
- Fire investigator who responded to vehicle fire on east side Detroit
- Observed significant fire damage on exterior extending into interior of Ford F150
- Unable to determine source of the fire
- Lt. Casey Jones, Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office:
- Conducted traffic stop of Carlos Hernandez on October 12, 2024 on I-49 heading south toward Texas
- Hernandez was with wife and minor child
- No attempt to run or flee during stop
- Collected numerous evidence items from vehicle including costume jewelry, clipboard, work boots, hammer, masks, gloves, and clothing
- Hernandez was taken into custody
- Siera Ramirez, DNA Analyst:
- Responded to crime scene and collected evidence for DNA testing
- Completed 3 DNA reports on various items that identified DNA from Zuazo, Hernandez, Sam Murray and Linda Murray
- Geraldo Saucedo, Graphic Artist/Owner, Mr. Boulevard Signs. Sign shop owner who made magnetic signs for Hernandez and contacted police to clear his name after hearing about the incident on news:
- Testified about being contacted by Oakland County Sheriff’s Office regarding magnetic signs
- Surveillance video showed Hernandez purchasing magnetic signs at his shop
- Additional surveillance video from October 9, 2024 showed Hernandez picking up the completed signs
- Hernandez told him he was a contractor, which witness said was common for his business
- After hearing about the incident on news, witness worried he had made the signs used in the crime
- Confirmed the person who picked up the signs was the same person who ordered them
- Mentioned there was a woman with Hernandez during the transaction
- Danielle Diaz, Carlos Hernandez’s Mother-In-Law, 55-year-old Home Depot employee (27 years) whose daughter Amanda is married to Hernandez; testified about family relationships and events leading up to incident:
- Testified that her daughter Amanda has been married to Hernandez and identified him in court
- Works at Home Depot in Lincoln Park for 27 years
- Her daughter had been living in Michigan before moving to Texas
- Amanda has a 4-year-old child (not Hernandez’s biological child)
- Knew someone called “Yogi” (later identified as Zuazo) from when he was fitted for a tux at Amanda’s wedding
- Discussed a white truck that appeared in front of her house
- Family was planning to return to Texas after visiting for the wedding
- Police came to her house and showed her Ring camera video
- Identified both Hernandez and Zuazo in surveillance video from a self-checkout
- Invoked Fifth Amendment rights during cross-examination when pressed about Zuazo identification
- Det. Jesse Hagland, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, detective who executed search warrant and collected evidence:
- Assigned to the scene on October 11, 2024
- Executed search warrant in Lincoln Park
- Found DTE forms and cutouts in a plastic bag during the search
- Spoke with victim Linda Murray who described suspects as a Hispanic male with beard (very fat) and a black male (average height/weight)
- Testified about the importance of writing accurate reports
- Det. Robert Whigman, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, detective who interviewed victim Linda Murray multiple times:
- Conducted three interviews with Linda Murray
- Murray described the scenario where three people (Zuazo, Hernandez, and Murray) went downstairs
- Murray observed the large Hispanic male come upstairs asking “where’s the money and jewelry?”
- Testified there was a time gap before the black male came upstairs after Hernandez
- Wrote detailed reports of the victim’s statements
- Det. Wendell Smith, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, traveled to Louisiana to retrieve evidence and conducted recorded interview with Hernandez:
- Flew to Louisiana on October 17, 2024, because Hernandez requested to speak with police
- Drove back to Michigan with Hernandez
- Conducted extensive recorded police interview with multiple significant statements
- Hernandez disclosed he has schizophrenia (diagnosed 20 years ago) and is also bipolar
- Admitted he hasn’t been taking his medication “in quite a while”
- Claimed to have an “insurance policy” – a recorded video on his phone showing “they made me do something I didn’t do”
- When told Joshua Zuazo was in custody, said “If Joshua is the killer this is where I need a prosecutor”
- Denied having the murder weapon: “I never had the gun. Someone else took the gun”
- Directly accused Zuazo of the murder: “He did the murder” and “He duct tape the man”
- Referenced multiple criminal crews doing similar crimes using ATT trucks and other utility company disguises
- Said “It was never supposed to happen” multiple times
- Admitted he “did not want to do it” but Zuazo asked him to “go on a run”
- Expressed concern about being portrayed as a “monster” on TV
- Mentioned working at a steel plant in Louisiana and having hand/tendon injuries
- Asked repeatedly to speak with a prosecutor throughout the interview
DAY 2 – 10/1/25
- WATCH: Home Invasion Murder Trial: Joshua Zuazo Opening Statements
- State’s opening statement in the case against defendant Joshua Zuazo, delivered by John Pietrofesa
- Detailed how the defendants posed as fake utility workers to gain access to the home and followed Sam to the basement
- Hernandez came upstairs demanding cash and jewelry while Zuazo emerged with blood on his shirt
- When Linda asked about her husband, Zuazo said “he’s sleeping”
- Hernandez punched Linda in the head
- Zuazo ransacked upstairs rooms, taking only costume jewelry of little value
- Linda called police on her landline
- Officers found Sam’s body in the basement with hands zip-tied and his gun missing
- Ring camera footage was released to media
- A coworker recognized Hernandez from the video and his work clothing
- The truck used had stolen plates and was later burned in Detroit
- DNA testing found both suspects’ DNA evidence
- Pawn shop items were recovered
- Argued this was a targeted attack, not random
- Defense opening statement for Joshua Zuazo delivered by Michael McCarthy:
- Questioned whether the Ring video clearly shows Zuazo as the second defendant, arguing the video clearly shows Hernandez but not clearly Zuazo
- Emphasized jury’s duty to scrutinize evidence beyond reasonable doubt
- Kristina Mahass, Murrays’ neighbor:
- Left home at 11:15 AM for a 12-minute walk with her dog
- Noticed construction trucks on the street and heard an obnoxious squeaking noise from a pickup truck’s fan belt
- Saw the truck drive slowly past the Murray house like it was “casing the street”
- Observed two people in the truck, with the passenger being taller and thinner than the driver
- Saw a DTE sticker on the truck when she looked at the driver
- Heard the occupants exit the truck and go to the back of it while she was taking a picture of her dog
- Police arrived within minutes and came to her front porch to speak with her
- Testified that one person was wearing a high-visibility orange mask and the other had some type of cover-up
- Admitted she did not include details about the second person’s clothing in her written statement
- Never actually saw the people outside the vehicle, only heard them exit
- Deputy TasRay Copeland, Oakland County Sheriff’s Office:
- Parked one house down and walked to the Murray home
- Found Ring doorbell but no answer, walked around the house and called dispatch to have homeowner open door
- Body camera footage showed Linda Murray opening door while on phone with 911
- Linda had duct tape around her wrists which Copeland cut off
- Linda told him “they were here last night and they came back”
- Mentioned the truck had a DTE sticker, not fully marked as DTE
- Found blood on the wall and basement stair rail
- Discovered Sam Murray’s body in the basement, shot and bound
- Checked for pulse on neck and wrist but found none, though body was still warm
- Initially thought victim was shot in the head but later learned otherwise
- Did not find a gun in the house
- Made comments about checking pawn stores and the recent timing of the crime
- Valerie Mayra, forensic lab investigator:
- Presented extensive crime scene photos showing ransacked upstairs rooms, jewelry boxes thrown about, drawers pulled out
- Photos showed victim bound with both zip ties and two colors of duct tape (black and grey)
- Victim found in basement with hands and feet bound, pool of blood underneath
- Found bloody shoe impressions at the scene
- Processed 98 items for fingerprints including plastic tarps, Home Depot bag, and duct tape
- Was unable to develop any usable fingerprints from any of the evidence
- Explained that wearing gloves would prevent leaving fingerprints
- Noted that DNA collection sometimes can wipe away potential fingerprints
- Linda Murray, victim’s wife, provided detailed firsthand account of the home invasion, having survived the attack and witnessed both the initial reconnaissance and the actual crime.
- Testified that on November 13th, two men posing as DTE workers came to her door claiming they needed to check for a gas leak in the neighborhood
- Described how the same men returned the following day, November 14th, to complete their planned robbery of the residence
- Recalled the chilling moment when Zuazo came upstairs with blood visible on his safety vest, telling her that her husband was “sleeping” in the basement
- Provided detailed inventory of stolen items including a Glock pistol, approximately $800 in cash, and various pieces of jewelry
- Her testimony directly linked both defendants to the crime and established their method of operation using utility worker disguises
- Hannah Hussein, pawn Shop employee, testified about Carlos Hernandez’s previous legitimate business relationship with victim Sam Murray, establishing a connection that may have provided inside knowledge for the robbery.
- Confirmed that Hernandez had pawned items worth $2,760 at Murray’s pawn shop in October 2023, just weeks before the murder
- Described how Hernandez personally met and shook hands with Sam Murray during these transactions, giving him direct knowledge of the victim
- Recalled that Hernandez specifically inquired about Rolex watches during his visits, suggesting he was assessing the shop’s valuable inventory
- Her testimony established a crucial link between the defendant and victim that predated the crime and may have motivated the targeted attack
- Brian Broad, Zuazo’s former supervisor, provided crucial identification testimony, recognizing Joshua Zuazo in Ring doorbell surveillance footage based on his knowledge of the defendant’s physical characteristics and mannerisms.
- Identified Zuazo in the surveillance video based on his distinctive walking gait and posture, which Broad knew from working with him daily
- Recognized the specific company-issued safety boots and work shirt that Zuazo was wearing in the footage
- Revealed that Zuazo had made death threats against him when he was terminated from employment, establishing a pattern of violent behavior
- Testified that Zuazo was known by the nickname “Yogi” among coworkers, providing additional identifying information
- His testimony provided some of the strongest identification evidence linking Zuazo to the crime scene footage
- Det. David Pachmeyer, lead investigator, connected multiple pieces of physical and surveillance evidence to build a comprehensive case against both defendants, tracing their activities before and after the murder.
- Investigated the stolen truck used in the crime, which was found burned in Detroit after the murder in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence
- Discovered that the truck had been fitted with a fake DTE utility company decal to support the defendants’ disguise as legitimate workers
- Obtained surveillance footage from Home Depot and Lowe’s showing both defendants purchasing supplies used in the crime
- Documented specific purchases including respirators, safety vests, and gloves that matched items seen in the Ring doorbell footage and found at the crime scene
- His investigation established the premeditated nature of the crime and the defendants’ careful planning and preparation
DAY 1 – 9/30/25
- Prosecution delivers opening statement.
- WATCH: Home Invasion Murder Trial: Carlos Hernandez Opening Statements
- Linda and Hussein “Sam” Murray, married 54 years, victims of targeted home invasion in Rochester Hills.
- Sam owned pawn shop and jewelry store in Hamtramck for 30 years.
- Defendants Carlos Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo posed as DTE workers
- On October 10, 2024, the defendants knocked on door claiming gas leak emergency. They were captured on Ring camera, Linda, who was suspicious about late hour, watched from upstairs bedroom and asked Sam if he had his gun.
- Sam had a Glock (carried for business protection), refused the defendants entry, defendants said they’d return the next day.
- Attack was premeditated, not random; Hernandez had previously pawned items at Sam’s shop (receipts available).
- Hernandez returned in February 2024 to retrieve items and specifically asked to meet the owner.
- Ordered fake DTE signs and vehicle decals (video evidence of purchase); used stolen F-250 truck (stolen 10 days prior) instead of own white Jeep
- October 11, 2024: Fatal Attack: @ 10:11 a.m. Linda returned from doctor’s appointment; Sam was preparing food for employees, had planning to go to work at noon.
- Defendants gained entry claiming furnace check needed; Linda recognized them from night before, was 10 feet from the door.
- Sam led them to the basement, followed by Zuazo, then Hernandez who closed door; it was the last time Linda saw her usband alive.
- After 10-15 minutes, Hernandez emerged alone demanding money, safe, jewels; Linda offered $300 cash from purse, said jewels in safety deposit box.
- When Linda asked about husband, Zuazo appeared with blood on shirt, said Sam was “sleeping.”
- Hernandez punched Linda in face when she screamed, bound her with duct tape, ransacked house.
- Responding officers found Sam dead in the basement; deputies’ response and scene caught on body cam.
- Hernandez burned stolen truck in Detroit to destroy evidence, fed to Texas with wife Amanda, child, and pets, arrested in Louisiana during multi-state manhunt.
- Physical evidence found in Louisiana included 3 pairs of size 13 Nike shoes, one pair had victim’s blood/DNA; size 11 tan work boots with victim’s blood/DNA; white 5XL t-shirt with victim’s blood/DNA, stolen jewelry boxes containing Linda’s costume jewelry, original license plate from burned truck; both defendants’ DNA found on duct tape at crime scene.
- Hernandez’s defense attorney Paulette Loftin delivered her opening statement.
- Acknowledged the jury faces a difficult job with unpleasant facts and evidence, urging them to put aside sympathy and focus on facts and law.
- Emphasized the jury’s role to decide “who did what and why,” regardless of attorney arguments.
- Outlined the prosecution’s burden: must prove each element of first-degree felony murder beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Hernandez must have caused Hussein Murray’s death through neck compression/blunt force trauma.
- Hernandez must have had intent to kill, cause great bodily harm, or acted knowing a high risk of death/harm.
- Death must have occurred during commission or attempt of larceny (theft with intent to permanently deprive).
- Killing must not be justified or reduced to a lesser crime.
- Stated the defense does not believe the prosecution can prove Hernandez had the required state of mind (intent).
- Described two counts of unlawful imprisonment against Hernandez concerning Mr. and Mrs. Murray, summarizing the requirements:
- Knowingly restrained the victims without consent/legal authority.
- Restraint was secret or to facilitate another felony or escape.
- Reviewed the basic facts expected to be shown by both prosecution and defense:
- Two men (including Hernandez) visited Murrays’ home twice, posing as gas company employees.
- Entry was refused the first night, but allowed the next morning.
- Mr. Murray later found dead.
- Mrs. Murray bound but survived and called 911.
- Admitted Hernandez was present both days, conceding he was inside the house.
- Argued Hernandez never intended or planned for anyone to be harmed or killed.
- Insisted Hernandez did not participate in the beating leading to Mr. Murray’s death.
- Asserted prosecution cannot prove any required state of mind for felony murder.
- Concluded that only a “not guilty” verdict on first-degree murder is consistent with law and evidence, and pledged to request such at the close of trial
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