CrimeOct 03, 2024
Man Who Shared Spoils of $2.7M Smash-and-Grab on Social Media Pleads Guilty to Robbery ChargeCrimeOct 16, 2024
Two Arrested in Home Invasion Murder of 72-Year-Old Detroit Jeweler
The men allegedly posed as employees of a local energy company to gain entry to Hussein Murray’s home and then killed him in the basement.
Two men have been arrested and one of them charged for allegedly posing as energy company workers “checking for gas leaks” to enter the suburban Detroit home of Hussein Murray and then murdering the 72-year-old jeweler in the basement and stealing valuables from the home.
Rochester Hills, Mich.—The Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office has charged one of two suspects arrested in connection with the home invasion murder of a 72-year-old Detroit jewelry store owner late last week.
According to the sheriff’s office, Hussein Murray, owner of Gold & Glitter Jewelry in Hamtramck, Michigan, was killed in his Rochester Hills home on Friday, allegedly murdered by two men posing as employees of local energy company DTE, claiming they were there to check for gas leaks.
While in the home, the men also imprisoned Murray’s wife, also 72 years old, who called 911 after the home invaders left.
When deputies arrived, they found her bound at the wrists and ankles with duct tape and located Murray’s body in the basement.
A law enforcement official told local reporters that he believes the two suspects targeted the Murray home because Murray was a jeweler, and they thought there would be money and jewelry inside.
The Oakland County Medical Examiner ruled Murray’s death a homicide. However, because of “the gruesome nature of the injuries,” the cause of death was not immediately clear, the sheriff’s office said.
The first suspect, 37-year-old Carlos Jose Hernandez of Dearborn, Michigan, has been charged with felony murder and two counts of unlawful imprisonment, the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office said in a news release.
“This was a gruesome attack on an elderly couple in their home,” Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said in the release. “I have authorized the highest charge, which carries a mandatory life without parole sentence for this brutal crime.”
Hernandez was arrested during a traffic stop while traveling along Interstate 49 in Shreveport, Louisiana, on Saturday.
Following his arrest, Hernandez was transported to the Caddo Correction Center, where he was booked for the homicide warrant, as well as for multiple warrants out of Ohio for armed robbery.
He is being held in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, but the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office said it plans to extradite him to Michigan.
The other suspect, who has not been named, was arrested during a traffic stop Monday afternoon, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said in a Facebook post.
Bouchard added that the suspect had been traveling in Plymouth Township, a western suburb of Detroit about 45 miles from Rochester Hills.
Related stories will be right here …
According to the sheriff’s office, Hussein Murray, owner of Gold & Glitter Jewelry in Hamtramck, Michigan, was killed in his Rochester Hills home on Friday, allegedly murdered by two men posing as employees of local energy company DTE, claiming they were there to check for gas leaks.
While in the home, the men also imprisoned Murray’s wife, also 72 years old, who called 911 after the home invaders left.
When deputies arrived, they found her bound at the wrists and ankles with duct tape and located Murray’s body in the basement.
A law enforcement official told local reporters that he believes the two suspects targeted the Murray home because Murray was a jeweler, and they thought there would be money and jewelry inside.
The Oakland County Medical Examiner ruled Murray’s death a homicide. However, because of “the gruesome nature of the injuries,” the cause of death was not immediately clear, the sheriff’s office said.
The first suspect, 37-year-old Carlos Jose Hernandez of Dearborn, Michigan, has been charged with felony murder and two counts of unlawful imprisonment, the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office said in a news release.
“This was a gruesome attack on an elderly couple in their home,” Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said in the release. “I have authorized the highest charge, which carries a mandatory life without parole sentence for this brutal crime.”
Hernandez was arrested during a traffic stop while traveling along Interstate 49 in Shreveport, Louisiana, on Saturday.
Following his arrest, Hernandez was transported to the Caddo Correction Center, where he was booked for the homicide warrant, as well as for multiple warrants out of Ohio for armed robbery.
He is being held in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, but the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office said it plans to extradite him to Michigan.
The other suspect, who has not been named, was arrested during a traffic stop Monday afternoon, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said in a Facebook post.
Bouchard added that the suspect had been traveling in Plymouth Township, a western suburb of Detroit about 45 miles from Rochester Hills.
The invasion at the Murray’s home in suburban Detroit began unfolding last Thursday evening.
Around 10 p.m. on Thursday, two men dressed as DTE workers approached the doorstep of Murray’s home in the 3700 block of Newcastle Drive.
Murray and his wife spoke to the men through the home’s Ring video camera but denied them entry, and the men said they would return the next day.
They came back around 10 a.m. on Friday.
One man was wearing yellow vest with orange and blue stripes along with a respirator mask and what appear to be gloves. The man behind him appeared to be wearing a similar vest.
He held a clipboard with a white paper up to the home’s Ring video camera, stating, “We’re DTE. We’re checking for gas leaks,” as shown in recovered Ring footage released by the sheriff’s office on Friday.
Upon entering the home, the men produced a piece of paper purportedly from DTE, which Murray signed before leading them to the basement, the prosecutor’s office said.
They came back up and asked his wife where the money and jewelry were. They duct-taped her wrists and ankles, and when she screamed, Hernandez hit her in the face, according to the prosecutor’s office.
The men searched the house and left with Murray’s wife’s phone and watch. The sheriff’s office is investigating if anything else was taken from the home.
“Based on what I’ve seen over my career, they may have thought there was valuables in the home due to the business, and were trying to get whatever those valuables were,” Bouchard told local news on Friday.
The suspects fled the scene in an older model white pickup truck with a DTE sign on the side, which, Bouchard told local news the sheriff’s office located on the day of the crime, finding it unoccupied and severely damaged by fire.
DTE has released a statement with tips to help customers to identify impersonators, encouraging them to request ID from workers before allowing them inside.
“Our hearts go out to the victims of this horrific and tragic event, and we hope the perpetrators are quickly apprehended and brought to justice,” the energy company said.
Funeral services for Murray took place Oct. 13 and 14 at the Islamic Institute of America in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, followed by a burial on Oct. 14 at United Memorial Gardens in Plymouth, Michigan.
Another commemoration service will take place at the mosque on Oct. 20.
Murray’s grandson, who shares his name due to a family tradition of the first son in the next generation taking the grandfather’s name, shared memories of his grandfather in an Instagram post.
“It is hard to put into words the level of generosity and kindness that my grandfather possessed. A man who spread so much warmth and joy to everyone in his family, and someone whose smile could make you feel like the world was yours,” he wrote.
“I am so proud to have been your grandson, and may Allah grant you the most beautiful garden in Jannah.”
The Latest
FinancialsMar 23, 2026
Movado’s Q4 Sales Rise As Demand Grows From Younger Shoppers, WomenMovado CEO Efraim Grinberg noted continued strength in the fashion watch and accessible luxury segments in the U.S.
TrendsMar 23, 2026
Marco Bicego’s New Campaign Showcases ‘The Art of Craft’After celebrating 25 years in 2025, the campaign marks a new chapter for the jewelry brand with the message that “Identity Creates Value.”
Events & AwardsMar 23, 2026
These Watch Brands Are Heading to Couture This YearCouture and Time to Watches announced the watch brands, from big names to independents, attendees will see at the show.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
FinancialsMar 20, 2026
Macy’s Turnaround Plans Shows Promise, Boosted by Bloomingdale’sPlus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.
Weekly QuizMar 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsMar 20, 2026
Sotheby's, De Beers Unveil ‘Jwaneng 28.88’ DiamondThe flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.
TrendsMar 20, 2026
‘Frankenstein’ Costume Designer Is Bejeweled In Brooches for Oscars WinCostume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
FinancialsMar 19, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Close 100 Stores, Shutter James Allen BannerThe jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.
SurveysMar 19, 2026
NRF Forecasts 4% Retail Sales Growth in 2026From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.
AuctionsMar 19, 2026
26-Carat Diamond Tops $1M at AuctionThe historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.
Events & AwardsMar 19, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.
AuctionsMar 18, 2026
Collection of the ‘Severely Beautiful’ Lady Wardington Fetches $161KThe model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.
PodcastsMar 18, 2026
Episode 3: An Interview With Jewelry Designer Johnny NelsonFresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.
SourcingMar 18, 2026
Lucara Recovers Nearly 37-Carat Blue DiamondThe “stunning” Type IIb stone was found via x-ray technology at its Karowe mine in Botswana.
MajorsMar 18, 2026
Stuller Releases New Edition of Jewelry Education Book“The Basics of Jewelry” has been updated to include modern topics and visuals.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2026
The Best Moments From the 2026 Gem Awards Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.
SourcingMar 17, 2026
Cruzeiro Mine Debuts ‘Winter Tourmaline’The Brazilian mine’s new collection features cabochons in soft, muted shades like silver and lilac.
TrendsMar 17, 2026
Natalie Portman Is Tiffany & Co.’s New AmbassadorThe Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.
MajorsMar 17, 2026
Kering Establishes Jewelry Division, Appoints CEOThe organizational change follows Kering’s promise of a transformation after declining sales in 2025.
EditorsMar 16, 2026
2026 Oscars Jewelry: One Necklace After AnotherNatalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.
WatchesMar 16, 2026
TAG Heuer Has a New CEOBéatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.
IndependentsMar 16, 2026
Ben Bridge Debuts New Honolulu BoutiqueThe store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.
AuctionsMar 16, 2026
Bonhams Paris To Offer Antique, Signed Jewels The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry DesignOur Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch CollectionThe 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.
