Murder victim identified, police search for suspects who posed as DTE employees

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI – Police identified Hussein Murray, 72, as the victim who was found dead in his basement on Friday, Oct. 11, after two men posing as utility workers broke into his Rochester Hills home had appeared.

Murray’s death was ruled a homicide by the Oakland County coroner on Saturday as police continued their search for the suspects.

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

Related: Men posing as DTE workers allegedly killed a Michigan homeowner and tied up his wife

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

Murray’s wife, 72, told police that two men posing as DTE workers came to the house Thursday evening claiming there was a gas leak, but they did not get inside, a news release said. When the men returned around noon on Friday, Murray took them to the basement, apparently to check for the leak.

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

Investigators are investigating whether anything was stolen from Murray’s home.

According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, the suspects were last seen driving a white pickup truck with orange cones in the bed. Surveillance camera footage released by police shows the suspects arriving at the house with clipboards and safety vests.

Bouchard urged people to be careful if someone showed up unexpectedly claiming to be from a utility or other company. He urged residents to check before allowing workers into their homes.

Anyone with information about Murray’s murder 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.