Text messages and body camera footage presented in court during the trial of two Michigan men convicted of murdering a 72-year-old jewelry store owner they attempted to rob — while disguised as gas workers checking for leaks — unveiled the details of the crime, including one of the perpetrator’s intentions to “buy a house” for his wife using the proceeds from the planned “score.”

“I hope we get enough money to buy a house,” Carlos Jose Hernandez’s wife allegedly texted him just two days before Hussein Murray was fatally beaten by Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo in his luxurious home in Rochester Hills, near Detroit. Hernandez was found guilty of first-degree felony murder on Friday, according to local NBC affiliate WDIV. Zuazo was also found guilty of murder.

The murder in October 2024 stemmed from a scheme to commit theft, demonstrated through messages between Hernandez and Zuazo discussing a “big score” they anticipated from the operation.

“Our own home,” replied Hernandez to his wife’s message, per WDIV and prosecutors.

“No rent,” the woman, whose identity was not revealed, allegedly said back.

“Yes,” Hernandez told her. “If what I feel is here, we gonna be good”

“So we can have a nice backyard,” the wife allegedly said.

The two men approached Murray’s home on consecutive days, impersonating employees from DTE Energy, a Detroit-based utility company, allegedly checking for gas leaks. On the first day, after being refused entry by Murray and his wife Linda — who was present during the murder — the men departed after Linda mentioned owning a gun. On the subsequent day, Murray allowed them to inspect the basement, during which Linda was restrained with duct tape while the men inflicted fatal injuries on Murray.

During the trial, evidence and witness statements revealed that Murray sustained numerous bruises and lacerations on his face, neck, scalp, and body. The medical examiner reported his jaw was “fractured into multiple pieces.” His throat bone was broken in two places, with the official cause of death listed as neck compression.

“Basically, his entire face had bruises and tears,” the examiner testified, according to WDIV.

Body camera footage provided by police shows Murray’s wife, Linda Murray, speaking to officers with her wrists bound after managing to call police that night.

“I don’t know where he is,” Linda Murray tells the officers, per WDIV. “He might be in the basement.”

Hernandez and Zuazo had, in fact, left Murray dead in the basement of the couple’s home before fleeing in a stolen pickup truck with DTE decals. They demanded jewelry and money from him, with Linda Murray reporting how she saw them leave with items from a jewelry box. Hernandez and his wife, who was never charged, had talked about the possibility of things going wrong and what Hernandez should do in texts to each other on Oct. 10, 2024, just one day before the murder.

“Remember what I said, If things get sketchy, GTFO,” the wife allegedly said, per WDIV. “Promise,” Hernandez replied.

“I love you,” his wife allegedly texted back.

“I love you too, let me get into work mode,” Hernandez said.

“Wear a mask when you get close,” his wife allegedly told him.

“I got it on now,” Hernandez responded.

“Ok, baby get your head good,” the wife allegedly said.

Hernandez and Zuazo split up after the murder, with cops taking Hernandez into custody on Oct. 12, 2024, in Louisiana following a traffic stop. Zuazo was caught in Plymouth Township, Michigan, on Oct. 14, 2024, after Hernandez’s wife told authorities that he was involved. Witnesses linked the pair to each other through vehicle sightings and purchases of items used during the home invasion, including duct tape and zip ties. Hernandez and Zuazo were also caught on Ring video at the Murray residence.

“We’re DTE. We’re checking for gas leaks,” Hernandez can be heard saying, while wearing a yellow reflective vest and holding a clipboard with the DTE insignia on it.

DTE Energy said in a press release after the slaying that customers should request ID from workers before allowing them into your home.

“Before DTE makes a routine visit to your home, we will make every effort to contact you in advance, either through a phone call from our call center or via email or text message,” the company wrote. “It is very rare that a DTE employee would need to enter your home, but it does happen. DTE will use every opportunity to make you aware of any work needing to be done at your home and if possible will contact you in advance to schedule time for the work to be completed.”

Murry owned Gold & Glitter Jewelry in Metro Detroit, an Instagram post said. His grandson, whom was named after Murray, posted a tribute on the social media app.

“It is hard to put into words the level of generosity and kindness that my grandfather possessed,” the younger Murray wrote. “A man who spread so much warmth and joy to everyone in his family, and someone whose smile could make you feel like the world was yours.”

Hernandez and Zuazo are scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 9.