Thursday, October 17, 2024

PONTIAC, Mich. - On Thursday, October 17, 2024, Oakland County Prosecutor KAREN D. McDONALD charged a second defendant, Joshua Zuazo, a 39-year-old resident of Dearborn, in connection with the murder of Rochester Hills resident Hussein Murray. Defendant Carlos Jose Hernandez has already been charged and is in custody awaiting extradition in Louisiana.

At approximately 10:00 pm on Thursday, October 10, 2024, defendant Zuazo along with defendant Hernandez 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 defendants through the Ring camera but did not allow them in. The defendants 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 defendants to the basement. Shortly thereafter, the defendants 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, defendant Hernandez hit her across the face. The defendants 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, defendant Hernandez was located in Shreveport, Louisiana, and was taken into custody. On October 14, 2024, law enforcement located defendant Zuazo in Plymouth Township, and he was taken into custody. Defendant Zuazo remains in custody at the Oakland County Jail.

“Impersonating utility workers - people we need and rely on, is despicable and threatens the sense of security of everyone in our community," said Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald. “My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect the public from violent predators, and we will vigorously pursue justice for the victims in this case.”

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.

Both defendants are charged with Felony Murder and two counts of Unlawful Imprisonment. 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