On Friday, October 11, 2024, a tragic incident unfolded in Rochester Hills, Michigan, where a 72-year-old business owner was killed and his wife was restrained with duct tape by individuals posing as DTE Energy workers. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call just before noon at a residence on Newcastle Drive.
According to Sheriff Michael Bouchard, two men claiming to be investigating a gas leak first approached the couple’s home at 10 p.m. on Thursday. Although they were denied entry that night, they returned the following morning with the same story. This time, the homeowners allowed them inside.
The husband, who owned a business in Wayne County, accompanied the fake utility workers to the basement where the gas line enters the house. Tragically, this was the last time his wife saw him alive. Upon returning upstairs, the imposters bound the woman with duct tape and spent approximately 20 minutes searching the residence. It remains unclear whether any items were stolen during this time.
When law enforcement arrived at the scene, they discovered the wife still restrained and the husband deceased in the basement. Sheriff Bouchard noted that due to the significant amount of blood present, the exact cause of death was not immediately apparent. The traumatized wife was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Authorities are currently searching for two suspects in connection with this heinous crime. One is described as thin, while the other is said to be heavy-set. The men were reportedly driving a white pickup truck featuring a DTE placard on its side, lending credibility to their ruse.
The investigation is still in its early stages, and all information is considered preliminary. Sheriff Bouchard suggested that the victims may have been targeted due to the husband’s status as a small business owner, as such individuals are sometimes perceived to keep cash or valuable assets at home.
Law enforcement is actively canvassing the neighborhood and seeking any information that might lead to the apprehension of the suspects. The case is being treated as a homicide, and the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.
This shocking incident serves as a stark reminder for residents to exercise caution when allowing strangers into their homes, even those claiming to represent utility companies. Authorities advise verifying the credentials of any unexpected visitors and contacting the utility company directly if there are any doubts about the legitimacy of workers.
The community of Rochester Hills has been left shaken by this violent act, and local officials are working to reassure residents while the investigation continues. Neighbors are being encouraged to report any suspicious activity and to look out for one another during this unsettling time.
As the investigation progresses, detectives are likely to examine surveillance footage from the area, interview potential witnesses, and analyze any physical evidence left at the crime scene. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office has not yet released the identities of the victims, pending notification of next of kin.
This tragic event highlights the importance of home security measures and the need for community vigilance. Residents are reminded to be cautious of unexpected visitors, especially those claiming to be from utility companies, and to report any suspicious behavior to local law enforcement immediately.
The loss of a respected business owner and the trauma inflicted upon his wife have sent ripples through the Wayne and Oakland County communities. As the search for the perpetrators continues, local authorities are determined to bring those responsible to justice and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.