Two men in Michigan, Carlos Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo, have been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the murder of jeweler Hussein Murray. The pair posed as utility workers to gain access to Murray’s home, where they brutally beat him to death in his basement. The sentencing took place on Tuesday, Dec. 9, bringing a sense of closure to the tragic case that shocked the local community.
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Hernandez, aged 37, and Zuazo, aged 39, were convicted of first-degree felony murder and unlawful imprisonment in October 2025. The events leading up to the murder unfolded on Oct. 10, 2024, when the perpetrators initially tried to enter the Rochester Hills residence under the pretense of checking for a gas leak but were denied access. Undeterred, they returned the next day wearing attire marked with “DTE,” successfully gaining entry. Once inside, they accompanied Murray to the basement, where the fatal attack took place.
According to reports, Hernandez and Zuazo not only assaulted and bound Murray but also targeted his wife in the kitchen while ransacking the home. Fortunately, she was able to alert authorities once the assailants left. The subsequent investigation led law enforcement to Hernandez’s vehicle in Louisiana, where items stolen from the residence were recovered, ultimately tying the men to the crime.
During the sentencing, Judge Yasmine Poles did not mince words in condemning the perpetrators for their despicable actions. She expressed disgust at their “pathetic … cowardice act,” highlighting the callousness and brutality of the crime. Poles underscored the disregard for Murray’s life and the devastating impact on his loved ones left behind.
Family members of the victim also had the opportunity to address the court, sharing poignant tributes and reflections on Murray’s life. Described as a devoted father and respected businessman, Murray’s untimely death left a profound void in the hearts of his family and the wider community. His eldest son, Abdu Murray, expressed frustration at the perpetrators for prolonging their suffering through legal proceedings, emphasising the irreparable loss they had caused.
In a moving gesture, Murray’s son Moheeb shared a heartfelt poem penned by his mother, expressing the profound grief and loss felt by the family. The emotional testimonies offered in court painted a vivid picture of the impact of Murray’s tragic death and the enduring pain felt by those closest to him.
Despite the opportunity to address the court, Hernandez and Zuazo chose to remain silent, with their legal representatives indicating plans to appeal the sentence. The case serves as a stark reminder of the heinous nature of the crime and the devastation it brought to a peaceful community. The sentencing outcome provides a semblance of justice for Hussein Murray and his loved ones, yet the emotional scars left by this senseless act of violence will likely endure for years to come.