ROCHESTER HILLS, MI – A chilling crime unfolded in a serene Detroit suburb when two men allegedly masquerading as energy workers gained access to a home and murdered a 72-year-old jewelry store owner in the basement. The incident occurred in an upscale neighborhood on Friday, following a failed attempt by the suspects the night before.
Surveillance footage released by police reveals the suspects donning high-visibility vests and masks. They approached the house late Thursday night, claiming to be from DTE Energy and instructing the homeowners about an alleged gas leak. The ruse initially failed to gain them entry, so they returned the following day. This time, they succeeded in luring the victim under false pretenses.
Upon entering the house in the 3700 block of Newcastle, the suspects led the victim to the basement. His wife became concerned when her husband did not reappear and feared he might have been taken hostage. Police officers arriving on the scene found her bound with duct tape. They discovered the victim’s lifeless body in the basement, marking the tragic end of the charade.
The exact cause of death remains undetermined due to the severity of the victim’s injuries, according to Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard. The authorities, uncertain whether the injuries were from a gunshot or blunt force trauma, are continuing their investigation into this gruesome case.
It is yet to be confirmed if anything was stolen during the invasion. The victim owned a jewelry business in Wayne County, sparking concerns about potential motives related to his work. Officials have warned the public about these individuals, who were last seen in a white pickup truck with orange cones. Descriptions indicate one suspect is thin and Black, while the other is heavier and Latino.
Sheriff Bouchard noted that small business owners are sometimes targeted for their possessions or cash, a possibility being explored by investigators. He urged residents to exercise caution if approached by anyone claiming to be from utility companies.
DTE Energy also responded, stressing the importance of verifying the identity of anyone attempting to gain access to homes under the guise of an energy worker. The company reassured customers that their employees carry identification and that clients would be contacted before scheduled visits.
With a reward potentially available for information, police have disseminated an image of one suspect. Authorities continue to search for the perpetrators.