Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Wife of Convicted DTE Impostor Arraigned in 2024 Rochester Hills Killing

Prosecutors cite months of text messages alleging she helped plan the utility-impersonation scheme.

Overview

  • Amanda Ileana Hernandez, 34, pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to conspiracy to commit first-degree home invasion, accessory after the fact, and conspiracy to commit false impersonation of a utility worker.
  • A judge set a $100,000 cash bond and ordered no contact with her husband, co-defendant Joshua Zuazo, or the victim’s family, with a next court date set for Feb. 9, 2026.
  • The prosecutor’s office alleges she played an active role in planning and the cover-up; the home-invasion conspiracy count is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
  • Phone extractions presented at trial showed exchanges in which she discussed logistics, helped with fake DTE badges, referenced attempts to obtain a van, and messaged about leaving after news of the killing.
  • Carlos Hernandez and Zuazo previously posed as DTE workers to enter Hussein “Sam” Murray’s home, where he was killed and his wife tied up; both men were convicted of first-degree felony murder and are serving life sentences.