Homicide victim identified as police search for suspects posing as DTE workers

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI – Police have identified Hussein Murray, 72, as the victim who was found dead in his basement on Friday, October 11 after two men posing as utility workers came to the his home in Rochester Hills.

Murray’s death was ruled a homicide Saturday by the Oakland County medical examiner as police continue to search for suspects.

“We are incredibly saddened by this tragic murder, and we will leave no stone unturned to find the perpetrators of this heinous act,” said Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard. “I urge you to surrender, because in any case we will find you.”

Related: Men posing as DTE workers allegedly kill Michigan homeowner and tie up his wife

Deputies found Murray dead at his home in the 3700 block of Newcastle Drive after his wife called 911.

Murray’s wife, 72, told police two men posing as DTE workers came to the home Thursday evening, claiming there was a gas leak, but did not break in. , said a press release. When the men returned around noon Friday, Murray led them into the basement, apparently to look for the leak.

Murray’s wife, who had been tied up, thought her husband had been kidnapped until police found him dead in the basement.

Detectives are investigating to find out if anything was taken from Murray’s home.

The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office says the suspects were last seen driving a white pickup truck with orange cones on the back. Home security camera footage released by police shows the suspects arriving at the home with clipboards and safety vests.

Bouchard encouraged people to be wary of anyone who shows up out of the blue claiming to be from a utility or other business. He encouraged residents to check before allowing workers into their homes.

Anyone with information about Murray’s homicide is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. Crime Stoppers is offering a $2,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in this case.