The trial of two men accused of killing Rochester Hills resident Hussein "Sam" Murray after posing as DTE Energy workers resumed on Wednesday. Carlos Jose Hernandez, 37, and Joshua Zuazo, 39, are charged with felony murder and two counts of unlawful imprisonment in connection with the October 2024 incident, as per ClickOnDetroit.
Oakland County Prosecutor John Pietrofesa said the attack was planned for at least a year, pointing to Hernandez’s visit to Murray’s jewelry shop, the purchase of DTE signage for a stolen truck, and DNA evidence found on duct tape and shoes. Hernandez’s defense attorney said he posed as a utility worker but denied he took part in the violence, saying, “The unfortunate death of Mr. Murray was never part of the plan, never even part of the discussion between Mr. Hernandez and the other individual,” according to FOX 2 Detroit.
Linda Murray said she was tied up in the kitchen after asking about her husband and being hit in the face by Hernandez. Prosecutors told the jury that “when the basement door closed, that was the last time Murray's wife saw her husband alive,” as mentioned by Detroit Free Press. The trials of Hernandez and Zuazo are being held at the same time with two separate juries, with jury selection finished in two days.
