CrimeNov 17, 2025
Police Searching for 2 Suspects in Murder of Father, Son Jewelers CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler
Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
A judge in Oakland County, Michigan, sentenced Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of jeweler Hussein “Sam” Murray, who owned Gold and Glitter in Hamtramck, Michigan.
Detroit—The two men found guilty in the October 2024 home invasion murder of a 72-year-old jeweler in suburban Detroit were sentenced last week to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Yasmine Poles handed down the sentences to 39-year-old Carlos Jose Hernandez and 40-year-old Joshua Zuazo, both of Dearborn, Michigan.
According to prosecutors, on Oct. 11, 2024, Hernandez and Zuazo posed as employees of local energy company DTE to convince jeweler Hussein “Sam” Murray to let them into the Rochester Hills home he shared with his wife of 54 years, Linda Murray.
They killed Sam in the basement after telling them they needed to go down there to check for a gas leak.
According to Linda’s testimony during trial, when Hernandez came up from the basement, he started asking her where the safe and the jewelry were, neither of which they kept in the house.
Ultimately, all the two defendants stole from the Murray’s home were costume jewelry, cash, Linda’s iPhone, and the keys to her SUV.
“Hernandez and Zuazo will spend their remaining days behind bars for their reprehensible actions,” Oakland County Prosecutor Karen D. McDonald said in a statement shared with National Jeweler.
“Sam Murray was beloved by friends and family. Linda Murray continues to suffer from the trauma of that horrible day. While we can never repair the damage done that day, I hope this sentence provides the Murray family with a measure of justice.”
Related stories will be right here …
Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Yasmine Poles handed down the sentences to 39-year-old Carlos Jose Hernandez and 40-year-old Joshua Zuazo, both of Dearborn, Michigan.
According to prosecutors, on Oct. 11, 2024, Hernandez and Zuazo posed as employees of local energy company DTE to convince jeweler Hussein “Sam” Murray to let them into the Rochester Hills home he shared with his wife of 54 years, Linda Murray.
They killed Sam in the basement after telling them they needed to go down there to check for a gas leak.
According to Linda’s testimony during trial, when Hernandez came up from the basement, he started asking her where the safe and the jewelry were, neither of which they kept in the house.
Ultimately, all the two defendants stole from the Murray’s home were costume jewelry, cash, Linda’s iPhone, and the keys to her SUV.
“Hernandez and Zuazo will spend their remaining days behind bars for their reprehensible actions,” Oakland County Prosecutor Karen D. McDonald said in a statement shared with National Jeweler.
“Sam Murray was beloved by friends and family. Linda Murray continues to suffer from the trauma of that horrible day. While we can never repair the damage done that day, I hope this sentence provides the Murray family with a measure of justice.”
During the sentencing hearing on Dec. 9, which can be seen in its entirety here, Judge Poles remarked on the defendants’ arrogance and greed.
She called their actions cowardly and “absolutely pathetic.”
“None of us know exactly what happened the basement … but I am certain that Mr. Murray fought you with the courage of a man who spent his life protecting his home and his family,” the judge said.
“And I hope whatever those last words he said to you, or whatever that last moment that he looked at you, haunts you for the rest of your life.”
Sam was the owner of Gold and Glitter, a jewelry and pawn shop in Hamtramck, Michigan.
His three sons spoke at the sentencing, describing their father as a kind, warm, and brave man who worked hard to provide for his family.
“He was the rock that our entire family could depend on. He never let anyone down,” one of his sons said.
“He was just in the time when he was starting to enjoy his life and plan on retirement, just now starting to go on vacations with his grandkids but that tragically ended.”
Hernandez and Zuazo were convicted by two separate juries earlier this fall.
In addition to felony murder, they were found guilty of two counts each of unlawful imprisonment and pled guilty to the charge that they were habitual offenders, meaning they had prior felony convictions.
Poles sentenced them to an additional 19 to 80 years behind bars on the unlawful imprisonment charges.
Hernandez and Zuazo declined to address the court during last week’s sentencing hearing, and both also plan to appeal their convictions, their attorneys said in court.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Crime
The Latest
Lab-GrownMay 08, 2026
NDC Publicly Criticizes Pandora Over ‘Misleading’ Natural Diamond ClaimsNDC said in an open letter that Pandora’s statements about the carbon footprint of lab grown versus natural diamonds are inaccurate.
SourcingMay 08, 2026
Ronnie VanderLinden Takes Over as WDC President The diamantaire and industry leader succeeds Feriel Zerouki and said he will focus on being a “champion” for natural diamonds.
TrendsMay 08, 2026
Rihanna Chooses ‘Desert Diamonds’ for 2026 Met GalaShe wore our Piece of the Week, Glenn Spiro’s “Old Moghul Golconda” earrings, featuring fancy brown-yellow diamonds totaling 51.90 carats.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
Events & AwardsMay 08, 2026
JA Announces 2026 CASE Award WinnersTwo pieces were named “Best in Show,” one from the retail category and one from the supplier category.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
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.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to ApprovalThe retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby'sOf the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
