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Detroit, MI--Two men who impersonated employees of a Detroit-area utility company to gain entry into a jeweler's home before killing him have been found guilty, according to a report by the Jewelers' Security Alliance (JSA).

[Image via iStock.com/Max Zolotukhin]

An Oakland County, Michigan, jury convicted Carlos Jose Hernandez, 38, and Joshua Zuazo, 40, both of Dearborn, on multiple charges related to the 2024 murder of jeweler Hussein "Sam" Murray, owner of Gold & Glitter Jewelry. The verdict was delivered last week, per the report.

According to the Oakland County prosecutor's office, the incident began on the night of October 10, 2024, when Hernandez and Zuazo appeared at the Murrays' home wearing fluorescent vests and masks. They claimed to be DTE Energy workers checking for gas leaks. Prosecutors said the pair had previously visited Murray's jewelry and pawn shop under false pretenses to identify their target. Assistant Prosecutor John Pietrofesa described the scheme as "targeted and very well-planned," the report stated.

When the couple refused entry that night, the men returned the following day. This time, they presented a document that appeared to be from DTE Energy. Murray signed the paper and led them to the basement. The report noted that the suspects later emerged without Murray, tied up his wife, Linda Murray, and beat her while demanding to know where the valuables were kept.

Evidence introduced at trial showed that Hernandez texted his wife during the robbery about getting enough money to buy a house. However, the men ultimately escaped with Linda's phone, Apple Watch, some costume jewelry and the keys to her SUV, she testified.

Check out this JSA report for more.