Rochester Hills, MI — What first appeared to be a brutal home invasion with two clear perpetrators has widened into a far more disturbing case. Prosecutors now allege that Amanda Hernandez helped plan the scheme that led to the death of Hussein “Sam” Murray—despite never setting foot inside the home the day he was killed.

According to investigators, the plan unfolded on October 11, 2024, when Carlos Hernandez and his associate, Joshua Zuazo, arrived at the Murray residence posing as DTE Energy workers. They told Sam’s wife, Linda Murray, there was a gas leak that needed immediate attention. The ruse worked. Trusting the urgency, Linda let them inside.

Prosecutors say Sam was led to the basement under the pretense of an inspection. He never came back up alive. Linda later told police that the men returned alone, demanded jewelry and cash, assaulted her when she resisted, and bound her wrists and ankles with duct tape before fleeing. She managed to free herself and call for help, but deputies found Sam dead in the basement, his neck compressed, his body showing signs of blunt force trauma, and his hands and feet restrained with zip ties and tape.

Carlos Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were tried separately, convicted of first-degree felony murder and unlawful imprisonment, and sentenced in December 2025 to life in prison without parole. Many believed the case was closed—until investigators reviewed text messages exchanged before and after the crime.