Michigan Man Charged in Deadly Rochester Hills Home Invasion; Joshua Zuazo, 39, Charged with Felony Murder
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In a chilling turn of events, Joshua Zuazo, a 39-year-old man from Dearborn, Michigan, has been formally charged in connection with a deadly home invasion that took the life of 72-year-old Rochester Hills businessman, Hussein Murray. Zuazo, arrested earlier this week, faces multiple charges, including felony murder, according to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.
The home invasion, which occurred on October 11, 2024, has shaken the local community, as details continue to emerge. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office announced on Thursday that Zuazo is charged under a three-count warrant. The charges include felony murder—a crime that could lead to life imprisonment if convicted—and two counts of unlawful imprisonment, both of which carry 15-year sentences.
In a statement, the sheriff’s office confirmed the charges: “Joshua Zuazo, 39, of Dearborn, is charged in a three-count warrant issued today by prosecutors with felony murder – a life offense if convicted – and two counts of unlawful imprisonment – 15-year felonies.” The warrant was signed by 52-3 District Judge Laura Polizzi, with Zuazo being held in the Oakland County Jail pending his arraignment scheduled for Friday at 1:15 p.m. ET.
Hussein Murray was found dead in the basement of his Rochester Hills home following the violent invasion, which has now led to widespread concern over safety in the area. The terrifying incident unfolded after two suspects, including Zuazo, appeared at Murray’s home, under the pretense of inspecting a gas leak.
Murray's wife, who survived the ordeal, called 911 after being bound with duct tape. She recounted to the police that the two men had visited their home the night before, also claiming to be investigating a gas leak, but were turned away. When they returned the next day, they were allowed into the home, with her husband accompanying them to the basement, purportedly to check for the leak. Moments later, only the suspects came back upstairs. They tied her up and taped her hands, leaving her in fear for her husband's safety. She told authorities that she "assumed he had been kidnapped" when she didn’t see him emerge from the basement.
The nightmare ended when police arrived to find Murray dead in the basement. Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the cause of his death, but investigations are ongoing. Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard lauded his team’s quick work in apprehending the suspects and pushing the case forward. In a statement, Bouchard said, “I want to reiterate how proud I am of our whole team and what they did to quickly move this case forward, not only taking our suspects off the street, but bringing evidence to the prosecutor to move this into her court for the next phase.”
Security footage from the Murray home, released by law enforcement, shows one of the suspects dressed in a utility worker’s uniform, complete with a mask and a clipboard, furthering their ruse. In the footage, the suspect can be heard saying, “We’re DTE. We’re checking for gas leaks,” referencing DTE Energy, Michigan’s main utility company. This level of deception has prompted warnings from local authorities for residents to be cautious when dealing with unexpected visitors claiming to be from utility companies.
The second suspect in the case, Carlos Jose Hernandez, 37, was arrested last Saturday. He is currently facing murder charges and is awaiting extradition from Louisiana, where he was apprehended. Law enforcement officials believe both men were complicit in the brutal killing of Murray, and the charges against them reflect the gravity of their alleged actions.
The Rochester Hills community has been left stunned by the violent nature of the crime, particularly given the calculated deception involved in gaining access to the Murray household. Local authorities have advised residents to remain vigilant and to verify the identities of individuals claiming to be from utility services or other official entities.
The case has also sparked a broader conversation about home security and the importance of being cautious when dealing with strangers at the door. Sheriff Bouchard encouraged citizens to use home surveillance systems and take additional precautions when allowing unknown individuals into their homes. "This is a tragic reminder of how dangerous these situations can become," he noted.
As the investigation continues, both Zuazo and Hernandez are expected to face the full weight of the legal system. Their arrests and subsequent charges mark a significant development in a case that has gripped the Rochester Hills area and beyond.
Murray, a respected businessman, leaves behind a grieving family and a community in shock. The case will move to court, where the Oakland County prosecutors are expected to present their evidence in what is shaping up to be a high-profile trial.
