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.”
More on Crime
The Latest
TrendsApr 20, 2026
Beth Bernstein, Sonia Esther Soltani Pen New Jewelry Book“Jewelry Creators: Dynamic Duos and Generational Gems” highlights the relationships among 22 influential designers, brands, and gem dealers.
Events & AwardsApr 20, 2026
Atlanta Jewelry Show’s Spring Event Is Hitting the RoadThe AJS Spring 2027 show will be held in Savannah, Georgia, with future shows taking place in other Southeast cities.
MajorsApr 20, 2026
Kendra Scott Names New CFO, Chief Business OfficerThe jewelry retailer plans to open 20 new stores this year and expand into new product categories.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
TrendsApr 17, 2026
New (Groundbreaking) Floral Jewelry for Spring 2026Flower motifs are the jewelry trend blooming amongst the new collections that debuted this spring.
Weekly QuizApr 16, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsApr 17, 2026
QVC Group Files for Chapter 11 BankruptcyThe retailer reported an 8 percent decline in annual sales as it struggles under the weight of billions of dollars of debt.
CollectionsApr 17, 2026
Edina Kiss’ Earrings Are the Devil on Your ShoulderThe “Devil” drop earrings, our Piece of the Week, are part of designer Edina Kiss’ new namesake jewelry line that she will show at Couture.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
WatchesApr 16, 2026
Cartier Brings Back the RoadsterThe “watchmaker of shapes” debuted the reworked version of the vintage sports car-inspired timepiece at Watches & Wonders.
IndependentsApr 16, 2026
Edge Retail Academy Updates Leadership TeamAs demand for jewelry retail coaching grows, the company has established a dedicated business coaching leadership team.
MajorsApr 16, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Mountings Catalog Is Out NowThe “Mountings 2026-2027” catalog showcases Stuller’s largest and most diverse assortment to date with more than 400 new mounting styles.
PodcastsApr 15, 2026
Episode 4: The Natural Diamond DilemmaSally Morrison and Mark Klein discuss De Beers’ first beacon in 16 years and the mistake the industry made with lab-grown diamonds.
MajorsApr 15, 2026
Spark Creations’ Randy McKenzie Dies at 72 McKenzie spent 45 years with Spark Creations and is remembered for being kind, dedicated, and hardworking.
WatchesApr 15, 2026
These Are the New Rolex Watches for 2026Rolex focused exclusively on the Oyster Perpetual this year, as the model is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
FinancialsApr 15, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Shines in Q1, Gucci’s Struggle ContinuesThe luxury giant discussed the Middle East conflict and its transformation plans, hinting at a stronger jewelry presence in North America.
SourcingApr 15, 2026
Diamond Club West Coast Names 2026 BoardKalpesh Jhaveri was re-elected as president for a third year.
TechnologyApr 15, 2026
This Jewelry Brand’s Video Series Is Up for a Webby Award“Diamond Divas,” a social media reality series by Shahla Karimi Jewelry, is nominated in the “Best Social: Fashion & Beauty” category.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
De Beers Expands ‘Desert Diamonds’ Beacon Into BridalThe campaign seeks to reignite desire for natural diamond engagement rings by highlighting the “distinct character” of warm-toned diamonds.
FinancialsApr 14, 2026
LVMH’s Q1 Sales Sink 6% Amid Middle East ConflictPlus, how Saks Global’s bankruptcy affected the luxury giant’s first quarter.
SourcingApr 14, 2026
International Jade Summit to Return to MontereyPresented by Mason-Kay Jade, the summit, in its second year, will again be held during the Monterey Bay Jade Festival.
Events & AwardsApr 14, 2026
CBG Releases Details for Las Vegas ShowThe group has announced its lineup of speakers and a new “Rising Stars” pavilion.
CollectionsApr 13, 2026
Uniform Object’s New Jewelry Collection Centers on the ‘Carbon Form’The “Carbon Form” collection explores the contrast between high and low materials, using rubber cord alongside 18-karat gold and gemstones.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
JA Accepting 2026 Impact Initiative ApplicationsThe program provides essential funding to organizations for projects that enhance the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsApr 13, 2026
Couture Announces New Show in MiamiThe jewelry trade show is launching its first open-to-the-public event in Coconut Grove this November.
CrimeApr 13, 2026
JSA Offers Reward in Oregon Jewelry Store Armed RobberyJSA is seeking information about the gunpoint robbery of a Kay Jewelers location in Oregon’s Washington Square Mall.
WatchesApr 10, 2026
These Watches Have Increased in Value the Most Since 2018, Says Chrono24The top-performing watch models may be surprising, with Rolex and several popular pandemic-era picks notably absent from the top 20.
CollectionsApr 10, 2026
Ophelia Eve’s Toggle Pendant Holds Your SecretsThe “Scroll” toggle pendant, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal a hidden message, mantra, or love letter written on washi paper.
