Two Arrested over Murder of US Jeweler
October 18, 24
(IDEX Online) - Two men have been arrested over the "gruesome attack" in which jeweler Hussein "Sam" Murray was killed during an attempted robbery at his home in Michigan, USA.
The suspects allegedly posed as workers from the utility company DTE Energy, wore high-visibility vests and claimed to be checking a gas leak.
Murray and his wife, both aged 72, refused to allow them into their home, in Rochester Hills, but the pair allegedly returned the following day (10 October) with bogus paperwork and were admitted.
Once inside the house, they duct-taped their victims' wrists and ankles and demanded money and jewelry.
According to a statement by Karen McDonald, prosecutor for Oakland County, Michigan, Murray's wife screamed at one point and a defendant hit her across the face.
The two men took her phone and watch, and left in a 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," she said.
The statement did not disclose how Murray, owner of Gold & Glitter jewelry in Hamtramck, Michigan, had been killed.
Two people have since been arrested - Carlos Jose Hernandez, 37, of Dearborn, Michigan, and another man, whose name has not yet been released. Hernandez is charged with felony murder - punishable by life without parole - and two counts of unlawful imprisonment.
"This was a gruesome attack on an elderly couple in their home," said 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."
Pic shows Hussein "Sam" Murray.