Man on trial for posing as DTE worker to kill Rochester Hills man claims false identification

By Kara Berg, Medianews Group

The 2 males in command of killing a jeweler of Rochester Hills and the usage of duct tape to bind the jeweler’s spouse whereas plundering the home have drastically completely different defenses.

One claims that he was wrongly recognized as a participant within the crime, whereas the opposite admits that he was at house with the jeweler, however claims that the plan would by no means commit homicide and that he didn’t take part in killing.

Carlos Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo are each accused of homicide within the first diploma and two counts of unlawful jail in reference to 11 October 2024, who defeated the demise of 72-year-old Hussein “Sam” Murray, who was present in his basement.

Hernandez and Zuazo Allegedly posed as employees of DTE Energy To achieve entry to Murray’s Rochester Hills -Huis after which killed him when Murray led them to the basement to examine the gasoline connection of the home, mentioned assistant officer of the judiciary John Pietrofesa whereas opening statements by Hernandez and Zuazo’s jury rights saying on Wednesday.

Zuazo’s lawyer, Michael McCarthy, mentioned that Zuazo solely realized the costs towards him throughout his earlier main on October 18.

McCarthy and Loftin each mentioned that it’s clear that Hernandez is within the digicam photos of the ring door bubbles of the lads who happen as DTE brokers. Hernandez is roughly 6-foot-5-inch lengthy and weighed 450 kilos on the time of his arrest, McCarthy mentioned, so he’s a particular man.

“There isn’t any doubt that this occurred. The query is who did it,” mentioned McCarthy. “The query for you as jury members of Joshua Zuazo is whether or not he’s the second man and he’s chargeable for one of many crimes dedicated.”

Hernandez’s lawyer, Paulette Loftin, mentioned During her opening statements Tuesday That killing Murray by no means was a part of the plan, and Hernandez didn’t take part in Murray’s deadly beating.

She mentioned that prosecutors wouldn’t be capable to show Hernandez’s intention that the homicide of Murray was premeditated.

Hernandez and Zuazo tried to separate their processes, however Oakland County Circuit Courtroom Decide Yasmine Poland refused their request in March. Their affairs are heard by two separate juries on the similar time.

Murray was the proprietor of Gold & Glitter -Jewellery in Hamtramck. The police mentioned they believe that Murray was the goal of his firm.

Hernandez and Zuazo confirmed up at about 10 o’clock October 10 and posed as DTE workers who checked out homes after a reported gasoline leak, mentioned Pietrofesa.

Murray mentioned they needed to depart and Hernandez informed him they’d be again the subsequent day, he mentioned.

After they returned on October 11, Pietrofesa mentioned that Hernandez and Zuazo this time succeeded in making their strategy to the home and to say that they needed to examine the basement gasoline connection.

Murray led Zuazo and Hernandez under. He was by no means seen alive once more, Pietrofesa mentioned.

When the 2 males got here up, Murray was not with them, Pietrofesa mentioned.

Allegedly Hernandez requested Murray, Linda, for cash, a protected and jewellery, however was informed that she did not have that in the home, Pietrofesa mentioned. All she had was costumet jewellery, she informed them.

Zuazo got here up with blood on his shirt, and when Linda noticed the blood, she began screaming. Hernandez hit her within the face after which pushed her to the wall, Pietrofesa mentioned. He tied her with duct tape, after which each Hernandez and Zuazo plundered the home earlier than he fled.

Pietrofesa mentioned that the jury will see the physique digicam statues of their arrival in the home of Murray, and once they discovered Murray’s physique.

“Sam is on the bottom. It is a horrible scene. A cheeky scene. A really bloody scene,” mentioned Pietrofesa. “His fingers are recorded. His toes are on the duct-op-flat.”

About 20 members of the family and buddies of the Murrays crammed the courtroom on Wednesday morning when the trial began.

Previous to the method that began on Wednesday, the spouse of Hernandez mentioned she needed to watch the method from the gallery, despite the fact that she was on the witness record for public prosecutors and Zuazo. His spouse mentioned she would intend to claim her fifth modification to forestall self -accusation.

Pietrofesa mentioned he didn’t need her in courtroom, as a result of the girl is a possible suspect and might nonetheless be charged. He mentioned he was fearful about her intentional creation of a mistrial.

Poland didn’t in the end permit her to be in courtroom.

kberg@detroitnews.com

Initially revealed: October 2, 2025 at 8:23 am Edt