Trial Begins for Men Accused of Killing Jeweler

The trial has begun for Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo, charged with felony murder and two counts of unlawful imprisonment in the Oct. 11, 2024 killing of 72-year-old jeweler Hussein “Sam” Murray at his Rochester Hills home. Prosecutors say the men posed as DTE Energy workers, showed up the night before, returned the next morning claiming a gas leak, lured Murray to the basement, and tied up and beat his wife, Linda Murray. Linda Murray testified in court and identified the defendants, and prosecutors showed jurors body-camera video and photos of her with her wrists bound and injured while officers found Hussein Murray unresponsive in the basement. Prosecutors described the attack as targeted and meticulously planned, alleging the defendants stole a work truck, ordered DTE signage and bought supplies, and that the stolen vehicle was later found burned; Hernandez was arrested in Louisiana and Zuazo in Plymouth Township days after the slaying. Both defendants face separate juries that are hearing witness testimony and video simultaneously, and defense attorneys dispute Hernandez’s role and say the killing was not part of his plan.