In a recent development, it has been revealed that a teenage serial burglar, responsible for a string of high-value jewelry thefts in Houston, is linked to the United States Marine Corps. The culprit, identified as Marcelo Majeed Hernandez, 18, was apprehended after a thorough investigation by Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman’s team, as reported by KPRC 2.
The investigation commenced following a break-in at a David Yurman store on Northwest Freeway in October 2023, where the masked suspect utilized a sledgehammer to gain entry. Subsequently, the burglar proceeded to ransack the store, making off with over 200 pieces of jewelry valued at a staggering $380,000. This was just one among a series of audacious heists attributed to the perpetrator.
The latest incident occurred on April 5 at the Helzberg Diamond Store within the Houston Premium Outlets, where jewelry worth more than $170,000 was pilfered. Through diligent scrutiny of surveillance footage and a meticulous inquiry, law enforcement officials were able to positively identify Hernandez as the elusive masked burglar.
Notably, Hernandez, at the time of his arrest and during the commission of these crimes, was affiliated with the Marine Corps as a Private First Class Reserve. However, it was clarified by KPRC 2 that he was not in an active “drilling status” during the aforementioned period, implying his absence from the military’s scheduled obligations.
In response to inquiries, the Marine Corps issued a statement denouncing the alleged actions of Hernandez, affirming their non-tolerance towards such misconduct. They further indicated ongoing cooperation with investigative authorities as legal proceedings unfold.
Following the burglary at the Helzberg Diamond Store, law enforcement officials managed to recover a substantial portion of the stolen jewelry, along with firearms and a considerable sum of cash. Constable Mark Herman commended the diligent efforts of his team, acknowledging the potential linkage of the suspect to additional criminal activities along the Highway 290 corridor.
Hernandez now faces severe charges of first-degree felony theft, underscoring the gravity of his alleged offenses and the impending legal repercussions. As investigations persist, the case serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts of law enforcement in safeguarding communities against criminal activities.