Carlos Hernandez charged with murder of Rochester Hills man; second suspect still sought

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich (WJBK) - Carlos Jose Hernandez, 37, was charged with felony murder among other lesser charges, including two counts of unlawful imprisonment for his role in the Oct. 11 murder of Hussein Murray. 

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.

Hernandez is a Dearborn resident. He is also being held on multiple armed robbery warrants in Ohio.

He is still in the process of being transported back to Michigan from Shreveport, Louisiana.  

Hernandez was arrested about 4 p.m. Saturday in Shreveport, Louisiana by Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies without incident. Caddo deputies on Interstate 49 spotted a vehicle that matched the description of Hernandez’s vehicle.

"This was a gruesome attack on an elderly couple in their home," Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said. "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."

Murray, 72, was found dead in his Rochester Hills basement Friday after police believe two men posing as DTE employees killed him. 

Carlos Jose Hernandez

By Saturday evening, less than 24 hours after releasing photos and video of the suspects, Hernandez was identified and arrested in Louisiana.  A "skinny" black man is still on the loose and considered armed and dangerous. 

"We appreciate the public’s help with giving us tips and information related to the Rochester Hills homicide involving the fake DTE workers," Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. "We can’t release a lot of information at this point, but we wanted to communicate that in conjunction with our great law enforcement partners, we have suspect number one, the Hispanic male shown in the video, in custody in Shreveport, Louisiana. "We are communicating with the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office on formal charges and meanwhile, we continue to encourage the public to give us any information or tips about suspect number two."

Murray’s 72-year-old wife was briefly hospitalized after the incident but has since been released. She had been tied up and left upstairs while Hussein was taken downstairs and killed. 

"We incredibly saddened by this tragic murder, and we will leave no stone unturned seeking the perpetrators of this heinous act," Bouchard said. "I urge them to turn themselves in, because in any event we will find you."

The death happened shortly before noon Friday in a home in the 3700 block of Newcastle in an area of upscale homes. 

Murray's grandson, who shares his first and last name, spoke highly of his grandfather in an official statement released by the family. 

"It is hard to put into words the level of generosity and kindness that my grandfather possessed. A man who spread so much warmth and joy to everyone in his family, and someone whose smile could make you feel like the world was yours. The car rides he took me on, the days he let me pretend I was a worker in his store as a child, and the memories of his upbringing in Lebanon he’d share with me when we’d have breakfast together are things I’ve held onto and things I will continue to hold onto for the rest of my life," he wrote. "The people who took him away from this world don’t know they took someone who was selfless and compassionate. A man who’s respected throughout his community both in America and Lebanon. Someone who I’ve loved and will miss for the rest of my life. It’s been a really confusing and painful few hours for me, and I can’t believe he’s gone. 
Jiddo Hussein, I will carry your name with me for the rest of my life. Every waking moment, I will represent you and everything you stood for. I hope you know how much of an impact you’ve had on my life, and I hope to create that impact on others for the rest of mine. I am so proud to have been your grandson, and may Allah grant you the most beautiful garden in Jannah."

The two suspects originally came to the home on Thursday night around 10 p.m., telling the couple they were concerned about a gas leak - before being turned away. They returned to the address on Friday, the sheriff said, adding they were allowed in.

"The husband went to the basement with them where the gas comes into the house and the wife never saw him again," sheriff Michael Bouchard said.

Detectives are investigating to determine if anything was taken from the home. Bouchard said residents should be wary of anyone showing up at their home unexpectedly, claiming to be from a utility or some other business and wanting access. 

He encouraged residents to check with businesses or utilities and ask if they have workers in the area before allowing them in their house.

Anyone with information who may have seen the suspects or have any information about the incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest in the case. Tipsters remain anonymous.

Hussein Murray (Photo courtesy of Murray family)

The Oakland County Sheriff's Office released this Ring video