A chilling doorbell footage has been released by police showing two suspects pretending to be energy workers calling a house in an upscale Detroit neighborhood before they allegedly murdered a 72-year-old jewelry store owner in the basement while his wife was duct-taped. The men were seen in high-vis vests and face masks standing outside a home in Rochester Hills, claiming to be checking for gas leaks. Unable to gain entry on Thursday, they returned on Friday and gained access to the victim’s home. The victim brought them down to his basement to check for a gas leak, but never returned, leaving his wife bound with duct tape. When police arrived, they found the man’s body in the basement, with the cause of death being unknown due to the gruesome nature of the injuries.
It is unclear if items were stolen from the house, but the victim owned a jewelry business in Wayne County. Police are searching for two suspects who were driving a white pick-up truck with orange cones in the truck bed. One suspect is described as thin and Black, while the other was heavier and described as being Latino. Both suspects are considered to be dangerous. Officials suspect that small business owners can become targets for assets or cash, leading to high-end burglaries. A screenshot of the suspect who called to the door on Thursday has been released by police in hopes of identifying the suspects. Authorities urged residents to be cautious of individuals showing up unexpectedly claiming to be from a utility company or another business.
DTE Energy, the energy company that the suspects claimed to be representing, echoed the warnings issued by law enforcement and advised customers to request identification badges from workers who show up at their homes. DTE employees always carry photo identification, and the company typically makes efforts to contact customers in advance before any service visit. The company expressed condolences to the victims of the horrific event and hoped for the quick apprehension and justice for the perpetrators. Customers were encouraged to verify a worker’s identity or confirm the validity of a visit by calling DTE customer service.
Authorities are seeking information to identify and locate the suspects responsible for the brutal murder of the jewelry store owner. The police released a screenshot of one of the suspects to aid in their search for the individuals involved in the crime. The suspects had posed as utility workers to gain entry into the victim’s home, where they committed the heinous act. Residents were advised to be cautious of individuals claiming to be from utility companies or other businesses and to always verify the identity of individuals before allowing them access to their property.
Investigators are still working to determine the cause of death of the 72-year-old victim due to the extensive injuries sustained during the attack. The victim’s wife was found bound with duct tape in the home, where she had been left by the suspects. Police are looking into the possibility of theft as a motive for the crime, as the victim owned a jewelry business. The suspects are believed to be dangerous, and law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information about the case to come forward. The community is on high alert following the brutal murder, and authorities are working diligently to track down and apprehend those responsible for the tragic event.
The shocking murder of the jewelry store owner has left the community in fear and disbelief over the senseless act of violence. Residents are being reminded to be vigilant and cautious of individuals who show up unannounced, claiming to be from utility companies or other businesses. The suspects in the case are still at large, and authorities are working tirelessly to bring them to justice. The public’s assistance is crucial in identifying the suspects and providing any information that may lead to their arrest. The victim’s family and loved ones are seeking closure and justice for the heinous crime that took the life of their beloved family member.
