DETROIT — Authorities reported that one of the two suspects who impersonated utility workers before murdering a Michigan man and restraining his wife with duct tape has been arrested in Louisiana.

According to the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, deputies apprehended 37-year-old Carlos Jose Hernandez on Saturday without any conflict. They had received a tip that Hernandez, wanted in Michigan for a potential homicide, was traveling southbound on Interstate 49 from Arkansas.

Deputies observed a vehicle that matched the description of Hernandez’s and initiated a traffic stop on Interstate 49 at Louisiana Highway 169. He was subsequently arrested and taken to the Caddo Correction Center.

“Hernandez was booked for several warrants, including armed robbery from Ohio, as well as a homicide warrant from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office in Michigan,” the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office disclosed in a statement released on Sunday.

Oakland County prosecutors charged Hernandez on Sunday with felony murder and two counts of unlawful imprisonment. The sheriff’s office is currently seeking to extradite him from Louisiana.

The investigation continues as officials are still attempting to locate a second suspect believed to have been involved in the death of 72-year-old Hussein Murray. Murray was discovered deceased in the basement of his residence on Friday in Rochester Hills, an affluent suburb just north of Detroit.

“We are grateful for the community’s assistance in providing tips related to the homicide in Rochester Hills involving the individuals posing as DTE workers,” stated the sheriff’s office on Saturday after Hernandez’s arrest.

Authorities suspect 2 suspects impersonated DTE Energy staff

Murray was reportedly killed shortly before noon on Friday, as stated by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies were called to the scene after Murray’s wife alerted 911, discovering her 72-year-old husband bound and duct-taped.

According to Murray’s wife, two men, masquerading as DTE Energy employees, arrived at their home on Thursday night, claiming to be investigating a gas leak. At that time, the men were not permitted inside.

On their return Friday, however, they were granted entry. Murray went with the men to the basement, ostensibly to assist in the search for the leak, but his wife grew concerned when he did not return and suspected he had been kidnapped.

“While searching the residence for safety, deputies ultimately discovered the husband’s body in the basement,” the sheriff’s office reported in a news release. “Given the horrific nature of his injuries, it was initially unclear whether he was shot or beaten to death.”

Later that night, the sheriff’s office released a photo and video from the home’s Ring security camera. The footage featured one man wearing a white substantial mask over his nose and mouth, a dark glove, and a yellow reflective vest with orange and blue stripes while appearing to hold a clipboard.

“We’re DTE. We’re checking for gas leaks,” the man declares while displaying a document on the clipboard.

Another individual wearing a similar vest can be seen behind him, though their face is not visible.

The Oakland County Medical Examiner classified Murray’s death as a homicide on Saturday, according to the sheriff’s office. His wife was briefly hospitalized following the incident but has since been released, the office confirmed.

Murray owned Gold & Glitter Jewelry, located about six miles north of downtown Detroit in Hamtramck, the sheriff’s office announced Saturday. Authorities are also investigating whether any items were stolen from the property.

“In my experience, it’s possible they thought there were valuable items in the home due to the business, and they aimed to seize those valuables,” Sheriff Michael Bouchard informed the media on Friday.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. A reward of up to $2,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest.

Hussein Murray remembered for his kind heart by family

His grandson, who shares his name, expressed that Murray was an “excellent cook” and generously shared the produce from his garden. He described his grandfather as someone who brought happiness and warmth to those around him, possessing a smile that “could make you feel like you owned the world.”

“Our family is heartbroken over the loss of my grandfather Hussein,” said grandson Hussein Murray in a statement to the Detroit Free Press, part of the YSL News Network. “He was a man with a golden heart, showing kindness and compassion to everyone around him. His legacy will endure in our family and community, and I’m deeply proud to call him my grandfather.”

Funeral services, including viewing and commemoration, will be held on Sunday, Monday, and October 20 at the Islamic Institute of America in Dearborn Heights, according to announcements on Instagram and the mosque’s Facebook page.

Residents warned to be cautious of unexpected visitors

Residents are advised to remain cautious about unexpected visitors at their homes, especially those claiming to be from utility companies or other businesses and requesting access. The sheriff has suggested that homeowners verify with the respective business or utility to see if they have any workers in the neighborhood before granting entry.

DTE Energy, an energy provider based in Detroit, has issued a warning to customers regarding individuals impersonating utility workers. The company recommends that if someone arrives at your home or business claiming to be from DTE, you should ask to see their badge with a photo ID and contact the company to verify their identity.

“If the person does not present a badge, do not let them into your home. If they seem agitated or act suspiciously, contact 911 right away,” the energy provider advised.

This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing scams aimed at customers of water, gas, and electricity services. Utility companies have increasingly alerted consumers about these potential scams in recent times, as scammers employ new technologies and tactics.

This year, two utility providers in California reported a considerable rise in scams. Southern California Edison indicated in August that they had received nearly 1,300 reports from customers who fell victim to scammers posing as company representatives.

According to Southern California Edison, customers lost approximately $170,000 to fraudulent schemes, with each victim averaging a loss of about $170. Earlier this year, Pacific Gas & Electric Company also warned its customers about an increase in scams targeting them, with KTXL reporting that the situation continued to “escalate at an alarming pace.”

Protecting Yourself from Utility Scams

Common forms of utility scams include impersonators who reach out to customers at home, over the phone, via email, or through other online means, according to Utilities United Against Scams, a coalition of over 150 electric, water, and natural gas utilities across the U.S. and Canada.

Scammers often threaten to cut off services unless payment is made immediately, as highlighted in Utilities United Against Scams’ guidelines. They may use various communication methods to solicit payments or gather personal information.

To prevent falling victim to fake utility representatives, Utilities United Against Scams advises people to refrain from sharing or confirming any personal or financial information with anyone who has contacted them first.

“Do not provide any information or payments to anyone—whether they call or show up at your doorstep—claiming to represent your utility. Your utility already has your personal account details,” according to their guidance.

The consortium of utilities also recommends that individuals:

• Take your time to verify whether the person contacting you is a legitimate representative by calling a trusted number for the utility.
• Carefully read disconnection notices, as utility providers will usually send multiple notifications before disconnecting services.
• Ask the contacting individual specific questions, including your account number, last payment details, and their employee ID number.
• Make payments only using verified methods proposed by the utility company.
• Stay informed about scams by checking scam guides, local news, official law enforcement websites, and conducting research on unfamiliar phone numbers or emails. “Scammers frequently change their tactics, and it is vital to stay informed about new scams and preventive measures,” the utilities consortium emphasized.