ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. (Scripps News Detroit) — A judge has ordered two men accused of murdering a Michigan man after posing as utility workers to stand trial.
Now, 37-year-old Carlos Hernandez and 39-year-old Joshua Zuazo, both from Dearborn, are charged with murder and unlawful imprisonment after allegedly pretending to be DTE utility workers looking for gas leaks in a planned robbery attempt. Judge Laura Polizzi bound over both defendants after a preliminary hearing on Dec. 17.
Carlos Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo sit with their attorneys during a hearing on Dec. 17, 2024. (Court TV via Scripps News Detroit)
Linda Murray, Hussein’s wife, was the first to take the stand in the case. Linda testified that the two defendants came to their door on Oct. 10 and said they were DTE employees checking for a gas leak, and said they’d return the next day. She said they returned on Oct. 11 and eventually came into the house. Her husband would show them where the basement was, Linda said.
According to Linda, Hussein led Zuazo and Hernandez down the stairs and she said they were downstairs for about 10 to 15 minutes before both men came back upstairs.