Crime

Men Who Posed as Utility Workers Found Guilty in Jeweler’s Murder

CrimeOct 07, 2025

Men Who Posed as Utility Workers Found Guilty in Jeweler’s Murder

Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo face life in prison for the October 2024 murder of 72-year-old Detroit-area jeweler Hussein Murray.

Stock image of a gavel and law books
The two men who posed as workers for DTE Energy in order to enter the home of jeweler Hussein “Sam” Murray in Rochester Hills, Michigan, and then murdered him and bound and beat his wife, Linda Murray, were found guilty last week.
Detroit—The two men accused of posing as workers for a local utility company in order to gain access to a jeweler’s home and then murdered him have been found guilty.

Jurors in Oakland County, Michigan, returned guilty verdicts against 38-year-old Carlos Jose Hernandez and 40-year-old Joshua Zuazo, both of Dearborn, Michigan, last week. 

According to the Oakland County prosecutor’s office, the crime began unfolding on the night of Oct. 10, 2024.

Prosecutors said Hernandez and Zuazo came to the home jeweler Hussein “Sam” Murray, owner of Gold & Glitter Jewelry, shared with his wife, Linda Murray, dressed as workers for DTE Energy, a local electricity and gas company.

Outfitted in fluorescent vests and masks, they claimed they were checking for gas leaks, but it was actually a “targeted and very well-planned” attack, Assistant Prosecutor John Pietrofesa said at trial, as Hernandez had come into Hussein’s jewelry and pawn shop before and asked to meet the owner.

Hussein and Linda did not let Hernandez and Zuazo into their home that night, but the men returned the next day and were permitted entry.

According to the prosecutor’s office, one of the men showed the couple a piece of paper purportedly from DTE, which Murray signed before leading them to the basement.

Hernandez and Zuazo later came back upstairs without Hussein. They then bound Linda with duct tape and beat her while demanding to know the location of the safe, money, and jewelry.

According to evidence presented at trial, Hernandez had been texting with his wife about getting enough from the robbery to buy a house, but what the two men ultimately left with was Linda’s phone, her Apple Watch, some costume jewelry, and the keys to her SUV, Linda testified.

 Related stories will be right here … 

Linda managed to free herself and call 911 after the men left.

When police arrived, they found Hussein in the basement, dead and also bound with duct tape.

Police arrested Hernandez the day after the murder, Oct. 12, in Shreveport, Louisiana.

He was booked for the homicide warrant, as well as for multiple warrants out of Ohio for armed robbery, and eventually was extradited to Michigan.

Zuazo was arrested Oct. 14 in nearby Plymouth Township, Michigan.

Both men were found guilty of one count of first-degree felony murder, and two counts of unlawful imprisonment.

They face life in prison on the murder charge and up to 15 years on each of the unlawful imprisonment charges. 

Court records show that sentencing for both men is set for Dec. 9. 

The Latest

Zoë Kravitz Wearing Jessica McCormack Tempest Sapphire Pendant and Tempest Diamond Necklace
CollectionsOct 07, 2025
Jessica McCormack Looks to Sea Spirits for ‘Tempest’ Collection

The brand’s first high jewelry collection, “Tempest” plays with movement while calling to mind the folklore of the sea.

Lightning Ridge Rural Fire Brigade
SourcingOct 07, 2025
Columbia Gem House Announces ‘Opals for Outback Heroes’ Fundraiser

Proceeds from its jewelry raffle will go to a volunteer-run fire and rescue group in the Lightning Ridge area of New South Wales, Australia.

Stuller 2025 S.E.R.V.E. Star Awards winners
MajorsOct 07, 2025
Stuller Names Its S.E.R.V.E Stars for 2025

Stuller said the recipients embody the company’s core values, which include community participation and personal and professional growth.

ja_fall_2024_by_headshot_stories_6824.jpg
Brought to you by
JA New York Fall Is Right Around the Corner

The upcoming show provides savvy retailers with the opportunity to stock their cases with best sellers in advance of the holiday season.

All four models of Citizen’s new Rainell watch
WatchesOct 06, 2025
This Fall, Citizen’s Forecast Calls for Rain

Citizen’s new “Rainell” women’s watch has a raindrop-shaped case and is available with a silver-, gold-, purple-, or green-colored dial.

Weekly QuizOct 02, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster 1926
AuctionsOct 06, 2025
The ‘Rolex That Made Rolex’ Heads to Auction at Sotheby’s

The “Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster,” named for the British endurance swimmer who made it famous, will go up for sale next month.

Amit Pratihari GIA India
GradingOct 06, 2025
GIA India Names Former De Beers Exec as New Managing Director

Amit Pratihari was previously the managing director of De Beers India and Forevermark India.

gia-edu main image.png
Brought to you by
A Brilliant Future Is Here

Online education from GIA experts.

DCWC 2025 Board of Directors
SourcingOct 06, 2025
SoCal 24 Karat Club Integrates Into Diamond Club West Coast

Members of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California will gain access to expanded services, resources, and connections, DCWC said.

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco Wedding, Jacob & Co. Watch
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco Tie the Knot Wearing Diamonds, White Metals

Gomez’s jewelry included Tiffany & Co. drop-style earrings while Blanco stacked diamonds from Jacob & Co. on his wrist.

HRD Antwerp CEO Paul De Wachter
GradingOct 03, 2025
Grading Lab HRD Antwerp Names New CEO

Diamond industry banking veteran Paul De Wachter will take on the role in January 2026.

Taylor Swift Kallati sapphire ring
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kallati’s Pink Sapphire Ring

Taylor Swift flaunts an Elizabeth Taylor-esque gemstone in promo for her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”

Boucheron Quatre Sand Collection
CollectionsOct 02, 2025
Boucheron Debuts Cuffs Crafted With 3D-Printed Sand

Its “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.

Neil Lane and Boucheron bow tie brooch
MajorsOct 02, 2025
Neil Lane Jewelry Exhibition Coming to Toledo Museum of Art

“Radiance and Reverie” will showcase more than 150 jewels from Lane’s personal collection by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more.

Just Jules opal necklace
TrendsOct 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Colorful Show

The month’s birthstones, tourmaline and opal, complement the palette of autumn.

Peter Smith National Jeweler columnist
ColumnistsOct 01, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Vendor Success Starts With Self-Reflection

Smith shares the importance of looking at your company with openness and honesty to identify opportunities you may be missing.

Plah Black Swan Earrings
EditorsOct 01, 2025
Playing Favorites: The Best Jewelry From Vicenzaoro

Associate Editor Natalie Francisco visited Italy to spot jewelry trends at the September Vicenzaoro show and share her top finds.

People shopping in a mall
SurveysOct 01, 2025
Consumer Confidence Hits 5-Month Low in September

Respondents were concerned about job availability and rising prices.

Gemfields rough emeralds
SourcingOct 01, 2025
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Falls 47%

Its latest interim financials revealed a challenging first half due in part to production troubles at its mines.

Pandora executives Alexander Lacik and Berta de Pablos-Barbier
MajorsSep 30, 2025
Pandora CEO to Retire in 2026, Hand Reins to CMO

Alexander Lacik has led Pandora since 2019. Berta de Pablos-Barbier will succeed him, the first woman to head the company.

Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell John Hardy Lovestruck Collection
CollectionsSep 30, 2025
Billie Eilish, Finneas Partner with John Hardy

The “Lovestruck” collection, designed with the Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings, is the brand’s first lab-grown diamond offering.

Spinelli Kilcollin Market Highland Park
IndependentsSep 30, 2025
Spinelli Kilcollin Announces Residency in Dallas

The brand, celebrating its 15th anniversary, has popped up at Market, a luxury fashion destination in Highland Park Village.

Nina Pugliese Henne Jewelers
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Nina Pugliese, Longtime Henne Jewelers Employee, Dies at 65

She was remembered as a creative and generous woman of faith, who also had a sweet tooth.

Kwait White and Yellow Gold Diamond Earrings
TrendsSep 29, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Ear Focus

Move over neck mess, the ear story is the way to make a layering statement today.

Mark Henry Leandra Medine Cohen
IndependentsSep 29, 2025
Mark Henry Jewelry to Debut in Canada

The New York-based brand is set to launch a limited-time offering for the holiday season at Holt Renfrew in Toronto.

Overnight volume 7 bridal catalog
MajorsSep 29, 2025
Overnight Releases New Bridal Catalog

The “Volume 7” bridal catalog features best-selling engagement rings, trending styles, and a new section highlighting anniversary bands.

Hand holding holiday shopping bags
SurveysSep 26, 2025
Online Shopping, Influencers to Drive Holiday Spending, Mastercard Says

Holiday sales growth is expected to slow as consumers grapple with inflation and tariff-related uncertainty.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy