Amanda Ileana Hernandez, 34, of Lincoln Park entered a no-contest plea Friday, July 24, in Oakland County Circuit Court for her role in planning the 2024 home invasion that killed Rochester Hills businessman Hussein "Sam" Murray.
Hernandez pleaded no contest to three charges: conspiracy to commit home invasion, conspiracy to commit false impersonation of a public utility worker, and accessory after the fact. She faces up to 20 years in prison on the most serious count. Her sentencing is set for Wednesday, Aug. 12.
The plea carries no sentencing agreement with the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office, meaning the judge will have full discretion at sentencing.
The crime
Murray, 72, owned Gold & Glitter Jewelry and Hamtramck Pawn on Joseph Campau Street in Hamtramck. He was found dead Oct. 11, 2024, in the basement of his Rochester Hills home on Newcastle Drive. His wife, Linda Murray, had been in the kitchen, unaware of what was happening.
Hernandez's husband, Carlos Hernandez, 39, and Joshua Zuazo, 41, posed as DTE Energy employees investigating a gas leak to get inside the home. Once Murray led them to the basement, they beat him to death. The two men then went upstairs, restrained Linda Murray with duct tape, and robbed the home. She freed herself and called 911.
Carlos Hernandez and Zuazo were convicted of first-degree felony murder and unlawful imprisonment of both Sam and Linda Murray. They were sentenced to life in prison in December 2025.
Amanda Hernandez's role
The Oakland County Prosecutor's Office said an ongoing investigation showed Amanda Hernandez "played an active role in the planning and cover-up of the crime." Text messages recovered by investigators showed she helped prepare for the home invasion, hoping to use proceeds from the robbery to buy a home, according to the prosecutor's office.
"Her plotting ultimately led to Sam Murray's death," Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said in a news release Friday. "She will be held accountable for her actions, which will forever affect the Murray family."
McDonald said the office remained committed to pursuing justice against everyone involved in Murray's killing.
Potential penalties
The three charges carry the following maximum sentences:
- Conspiracy to commit first-degree home invasion: up to 20 years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both
- Accessory after the fact: up to five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both
- Conspiracy to commit false impersonation of a utility worker: up to two years in prison, a $1,000 fine, or both
A no-contest plea is not an admission of guilt but is treated as one for sentencing purposes.
Hernandez's sentencing hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 12, in Oakland County Circuit Court.
