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
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Jewelers of Americas’ ‘20 Under 40’ Nominations Now OpenThe program recognizes rising professionals in the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsJan 15, 2026
Registration for JCK Las Vegas 2026 Is Now OpenA new lifestyle section and a watch showcase have been added to this year’s event.
TrendsJan 15, 2026
Don’t Double-Dip With This Golden ChipAvocados From Mexico is celebrating those who love to double-dip in game day guacamole with a 14-karat yellow gold tortilla chip necklace.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers Can Fight Back Against Cell JammersCriminals are using cell jammers to disable alarms, but new technology like JamAlert™ can stop them.
SourcingJan 15, 2026
Nearly 42-Carat Blue Diamond Discovered in South AfricaPetra Diamonds unearthed the 41.82-carat, Type IIb blue diamond at the Cullinan Mine.
Weekly QuizJan 15, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg Lassos Leather for New BraceletsThe brand is trading its colorful fabric cords for Italian leather in its “Lasso” baby locket bracelets.
TechnologyJan 14, 2026
“My Next Question” Enters Its Podcast Era National Jeweler and Jewelers of America’s popular webinar series is evolving in 2026.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
MajorsJan 14, 2026
Saks Files for Bankruptcy, Names New CEOThe department store chain owes millions to creditors like David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Kering, and LVMH.
CollectionsJan 14, 2026
Boucheron Names Colman Domingo as Brand AmbassadorThe award-winning actor’s visionary approach and creativity echo the spirit of Boucheron, the brand said.
IndependentsJan 14, 2026
Kansas Jeweler Wins 2025 ‘Wag’ AwardEdge Retail Academy honored Burnell’s Fine Jewelry in Wichita, Kansas, with its annual award for business excellence.
ColumnistsJan 13, 2026
2025 Was a ‘Price Up, Units Down’ Year, Here’s What That Signals for 2026 In a market defined by more selective consumers, Sherry Smith shares why execution will be independent jewelers’ key to growth this year.
IndependentsJan 13, 2026
Orr’s Jewelers Opens New Location in Pittsburgh’s Strip DistrictThe family-owned jeweler’s new space is in a former wholesale produce market.
SourcingJan 13, 2026
Rio Grande To Offer Calibrated Diamond MeleeThe supplier’s online program allows customers to search and buy calibrated natural and lab-grown diamond melee, including in fancy shapes.
Events & AwardsJan 13, 2026
NYC Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show Announces Winter EventThe new show will take place Jan. 23-25, 2026.
PodcastsJan 12, 2026
Introducing My Next Question, the PodcastA monthly podcast series for jewelry professionals
EditorsJan 12, 2026
Platinum, White Gold Rule the 2026 Golden GlobesAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco highlights her favorite jewelry moments from the Golden Globes, and they are (mostly) white hot.
GradingJan 12, 2026
Peter Yantzer, Former Executive Director of AGS Labs, Dies at 77 Yantzer is remembered for the profound influence he had on diamond cut grading as well as his contagious smile and quick wit.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
These 14 Macy’s Locations Will Close This YearThe store closures are part of the retailer’s “Bold New Chapter” turnaround plan.
MajorsJan 12, 2026
Jewelers Mutual Acquires AI-Powered Event Insurance ProgramThrough EventGuard, the company will offer event liability and cancellation insurance, including wedding coverage.
MajorsJan 09, 2026
Kendra Scott Taps Activewear Exec as CEO Chris Blakeslee has experience at Athleta and Alo Yoga. Kendra Scott will remain on board as executive chair and chief visionary officer.
SurveysJan 09, 2026
U.S. Holiday Retail Sales Up 4%, Visa, Mastercard SayThe credit card companies’ surveys examined where consumers shopped, what they bought, and what they valued this holiday season.
AuctionsJan 09, 2026
Christie’s Names New Global Managing Director for LuxuryKimberly Miller has been promoted to the role.
CollectionsJan 09, 2026
Piece of the Week: Lionheart’s ‘Serenity’ Opal CharmThe “Serenity” charm set with 13 opals is a modern amulet offering protection, guidance, and intention, the brand said.
CollectionsJan 08, 2026
Pandora’s New ‘Bridgerton’ Jewels Celebrate Bees, Bows, and Blooms“Bridgerton” actresses Hannah Dodd and Claudia Jessie star in the brand’s “Rules to Love By” campaign.
Events & AwardsJan 08, 2026
Ana Khouri To Receive 2026 Gem Award for High Jewelry ExcellenceFounded by jeweler and sculptor Ana Khouri, the brand is “expanding the boundaries of what high jewelry can be.”
TrendsJan 08, 2026
Stuller’s Color of the Year Is a Stark Contrast to Pantone’s WhiteThe jewelry manufacturer and supplier is going with a fiery shade it says symbolizes power and transformation.
