Man Killed, Wife Bound by Men Posing as Utility Workers in Oakland County: A Tragic Incident Highlights the Importance of Verification

In a shocking and tragic incident, a 72-year-old man was killed, and his wife was bound by two men who posed as utility workers in an upscale neighborhood of Rochester Hills, Oakland County. The Oakland County Sheriff's Office is investigating the case, which has left the community in shock and has raised concerns about the safety of residents when dealing with unexpected visitors claiming to be utility workers.

1. The Incident: A Descent into Horror

The incident occurred on Friday, October 11, 2024, in the 3700 block of Newcastle Drive. According to the Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, two men approached the home claiming to be DTE workers looking for a gas leak. The men were dressed in what appeared to be utility attire and had a white pickup truck with a DTE placard on the side, which added to their credibility. However, their intentions were far from genuine.

The wife of the victim reported that the men first came to their home at approximately 10 p.m. on Thursday, claiming there was a gas leak. However, they were not allowed entry at that time. The next day, Friday morning, the men returned with the same claim about a gas leak and were allowed into the home. The husband went to the basement with them to investigate, but he never returned. The wife never saw him come back up from the basement.

When deputies arrived at the scene, they found the wife bound by duct tape and the husband dead in the basement. The amount of blood at the scene made it difficult for investigators to determine the exact cause of death.

2. The Investigation: A Search for Clues

The Oakland County Sheriff's Office is actively investigating this case and is seeking any information that might lead to the apprehension of the suspects. Sheriff Bouchard emphasized that the investigation is in its early stages and that all information is preliminary.

The sheriff's office is canvassing the neighborhood, looking for any surveillance footage that might have captured the suspects. The description of the suspects includes one thin, Black male and one heavyset Latino male. They were driving a white pickup truck with a DTE placard on the side.

DTE Energy has released a statement condemning the incident and urging customers to be vigilant when dealing with unexpected visitors claiming to be utility workers. The utility company emphasized that it does not provide residential gas distribution in Rochester Hills but does operate gas transmission pipelines in the area.

DTE Energy provided guidelines for customers to verify the identity of utility workers: customers should ask for a badge with a photo ID and call DTE customer service at 800-477-4747 to confirm before allowing entry or access to their property.

The sheriff's office is also encouraging residents to check with utilities or businesses to see if they have workers in the area if people claiming to be from those utilities or businesses show up unexpectedly at a home.

Anyone with information about the suspects or the crime is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 800-SPEAKUP. There is a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest.

3. Community Response: A Call for Vigilance

The community is in shock following this tragic incident. Neighbors have expressed their concern and sadness over the event, emphasizing the importance of verifying the identity of anyone claiming to be a utility worker.

Local residents are being urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions when dealing with unexpected visitors. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that can arise when individuals pose as utility workers for nefarious purposes.

The Oakland County Sheriff's Office is working closely with local residents and utility companies to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are committed to bringing justice to the victims and their family.

4. Lessons Learned: Verification is Key

The tragic incident in Rochester Hills highlights the importance of verifying the identity of anyone claiming to be a utility worker. DTE Energy's guidelines for customers to confirm the identity of utility workers are crucial in preventing such incidents.

Customers should always ask for a badge with a photo ID and call the utility company's customer service number to confirm before allowing entry or access to their property. This simple step can save lives and prevent tragic incidents like this one.

In conclusion, the incident in Rochester Hills serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance when dealing with unexpected visitors claiming to be utility workers. By following simple verification steps, residents can ensure their safety and prevent such tragic events from occurring.

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