Rochester Hills, Michigan, September 1, 2025
News Summary
Carlos Jose Hernandez, a 37-year-old from Dearborn, faces felony murder charges stemming from a brutal attack on an elderly couple in Rochester Hills. The incident involved impersonating utility workers to gain entry. While the wife survived, the husband was found dead. Authorities are searching for an accomplice and remind residents to verify utility workers’ identities.
Rochester Hills, Michigan – Carlos Jose Hernandez, a 37-year-old resident of Dearborn, Michigan, faces serious charges including felony murder and two counts of unlawful imprisonment. These charges arise from a brutal attack on an elderly couple, which occurred last week in Rochester Hills, a suburb located just north of Detroit.
The arrest of Hernandez took place on Saturday in Shreveport, Louisiana. He was apprehended after being spotted on Interstate 49 while heading south from Arkansas. Alongside him, a second suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, has also been arrested in connection with the crime. Law enforcement officials are actively searching for this second suspect, conducting an ongoing manhunt.
According to police reports, Hernandez and his accomplice deceived the victims by impersonating utility workers. The two men wore fluorescent vests and presented fake work orders and false identification badges. Doorbell camera footage captured the suspects as they approached the home, claiming they needed to check for gas leaks. Once they gained entry, they led the 72-year-old victim, Hussein Murray, to the basement of the house, where the situation quickly escalated.
Once inside, the suspects restrained Murray’s wife by duct taping her wrists and ankles before demanding money and jewelry. Tragically, Murray was later found deceased in the basement, also with his limbs duct-taped. Fortunately, his wife was able to call 911 during the harrowing ordeal and was briefly hospitalized for treatment.
Investigators believe Hernandez and the second suspect targeted the elderly couple due to their ownership of a jewelry and pawn shop, suggesting that they had prior knowledge of the valuables located within the family’s home. This targeting of specific individuals further highlights the calculated nature of the crime.
In addition to the current charges, Hernandez faces an outstanding arrest warrant in Ohio related to a former case of armed robbery. The Oakland County Prosecutor has indicated that if convicted of felony murder, Hernandez could face a mandatory life sentence.
DTE Energy has also issued warnings to residents in the area, advising them to verify the identities of utility workers before permitting entry into their homes. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of home security and vigilance against potential impostors.
This distressing case continues to develop as authorities remain focused on apprehending the second suspect. Those with any information regarding the incident are encouraged to contact local law enforcement.
FAQ Section
Who is Carlos Jose Hernandez?
Carlos Jose Hernandez is a 37-year-old man from Dearborn, Michigan, charged with felony murder and two counts of unlawful imprisonment in connection with the violent attack on an elderly couple in Rochester Hills.
What happened in Rochester Hills?
Hernandez and an accomplice posed as utility workers to gain entry into the home of an elderly couple. After restraining the wife, they demanded money and jewelry, resulting in the tragic death of the husband, Hussein Murray.
What are the charges against Hernandez?
Hernandez is charged with felony murder and two counts of unlawful imprisonment. If convicted of felony murder, he faces a mandatory life sentence.
Is there still a suspect at large?
Yes, authorities are still searching for a second suspect involved in the incident, whose identity has not yet been disclosed to the public.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Rochester Hills, Michigan |
| Main Suspect | Carlos Jose Hernandez, 37 |
| Charges | Felony murder, unlawful imprisonment |
| Victim | Hussein Murray, 72 (deceased) |
| Accomplice Status | Second suspect at large |
| Additional Info | Existing warrant for Hernandez in Ohio for armed robbery |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Shreveport Police Shift Hit-and-Run Case to Homicide Investigation
Shreveport Police Investigate Homicides in Hit-and-Run Cases
Local Man Arrested for Multiple Felonies in Shreveport
Three Arrested in Connection with Shreveport Shooting Death
Shreveport Man Arrested After Deadly Shooting at Apartments
Recent Domestic Violence Arrests in Shreveport
LSU Employees Charged with Embezzlement
Recent Arrests in Shreveport Raise Community Concerns
Fifth Inmate of Orleans Parish Jail Captured After Escape
Additional Resources
- NBC News
- Wikipedia: Home Invasion
- Fox News
- Google Search: Home Invasion News
- The New York Times
- Google Scholar: Utility Workers Impersonation
- CBS News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Felony Murder
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
