Sunday, October 13, 2024 

PONTIAC, Mich. - On Sunday, October 13, 2024, Oakland County Prosecutor KAREN D. McDONALD charged Carlos Jose Hernandez, a 37-year-old resident of Dearborn in connection with a Rochester Hills homicide. Hernandez is charged with Felony Murder and two counts of Unlawful Imprisonment.

At approximately 10:00 pm on Thursday, October 10, 2024, the defendant and another unidentified male went to a residence in Rochester Hills posing as DTE workers who were there to check a gas leak. The homeowners, a 72-year-old male and a 72-year-old female spoke with the defendant and the unidentified male through the Ring camera but did not allow them in. The defendant indicated that they would return the following day. On Friday, October 11, 2024, the same two males appeared at the residence at approximately 10:00 am and were allowed to enter the residence. The male victim signed a piece of paper purportedly from DTE and escorted the defendant to the basement. Shortly thereafter, the defendant and the other male came up and asked the female victim where the money and jewelry were. They duct-taped her wrists and ankles. At one point, she started to scream, and the defendant hit her across the face. The defendant and the other male searched the house, took the female victim’s phone and watch, and left. They left in an older model white pick-up truck with a DTE sign on the side. The female victim was able to call 911. The male victim was found deceased in the basement with his wrists and ankles duct taped. On Saturday, October 12, 2024, the defendant was located in Shreveport, Louisiana, and was taken into custody. Law enforcement is still working to locate the second male suspect.

"This was a gruesome attack on an elderly couple in their home,” stated Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald. “I have authorized the highest charge which carries a mandatory life without parole sentence for this brutal crime. My office will work diligently to ensure that this individual is held accountable and that the public is safe from violent predators.”

Officials at DTE encourage customers to ask to see a badge with a photo ID, from anyone who arrives at their home or business saying they are from DTE. If the person refuses to show their badge, do not allow them inside. If you are unsure if the person claiming to be from DTE is legitimate, immediately call DTE customer service at 800-477-4747. If the person becomes agitated or acts in a strange manner, insisting to be let inside, call 911.

Felony Murder is a felony punishable by life without parole and requires DNA to be taken upon arrest. Unlawful Imprisonment is a felony punishable by up to 15 Years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $20,000.

Charges are accusations and individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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CONTACT: ocpomedia@oakgov.com