Current:Home > FinanceAfghan refugee stands trial in first of 3 killings that shocked Albuquerque’s Muslim community -Aspire Money Growth
Afghan refugee stands trial in first of 3 killings that shocked Albuquerque’s Muslim community
View
Date:2025-04-13 23:37:48
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Muslims in New Mexico’s largest city are hoping more light will be shed on what led to the shooting deaths of three men from their community during the summer of 2022 as prosecutors begin to make their case against an Afghan refugee charged with the killings.
Attorneys were expected to deliver opening statements in an Albuquerque court Tuesday in what will be the first trial for Muhammad Syed, who settled in the U.S. several years ago with his family. He denied involvement in the killings after being detained just days after police put out a public plea for help and shared photographs of a vehicle believed to be involved in the crimes.
Tips poured in and investigators turned their attention to Syed. Police stopped him in his vehicle in August 2022 more than 100 miles (160 kilometers) from Albuquerque. He told authorities he was on his way to Texas to find a new home for his family, saying he was concerned about the ambush-style killings.
Syed, who speaks Pashto and no English, has remained in custody without bond since his arrest. He is charged with three counts of murder and four charges of tampering with evidence. Police also have identified him as the suspect in the killing of a fourth Muslim man, but no charges have been filed in that case.
While some court documents remain sealed, others shed no light on a possible motive, leaving Albuquerque’s Muslim community struggling to understand why the men were targeted.
Prosecutors during previous court hearings described Syed as having a violent history. His public defenders have argued that previous allegations of domestic violence never resulted in convictions.
The first trial centers on the death of Aftab Hussein, 41, who was slain the night of July 26, 2022, after parking his car in his usual spot near his home.
Syed will be tried separately in the deaths of Muhammad Afzaal Hussain, a 27-year-old urban planner who was gunned down Aug. 1 while taking his evening walk, and Naeem Hussain, who was shot four days later as he sat in his vehicle outside a refugee resettlement agency on the city’s south side.
Prosecutors plan to call as witnesses police officers and other authorities involved in the investigation. However, the judge is prohibiting testimony about ShotSpotter technology used by the police force to detect the sound of gunshots.
Prosecutors also cannot directly introduce as evidence statements Syed made to a detective while being questioned. Defense attorneys argued that Syed’s rights were violated because the detective, through an interpreter, did not adequately inform Syed of his right to a court-appointed attorney.
According to the initial criminal complaint filed by Albuquerque police, investigators determined that bullet casings found in Syed’s vehicle matched the caliber of the weapons believed to have been used in the July 26 and Aug. 1 killings and that casings found at the crime scenes were linked to guns found at Syed’s home and in his vehicle.
Federal authorities in court filings pointed to cellphone records and accused one of Syed’s sons of possibly helping his father track Naeem Hussain before he was killed. Shaheen Syed was accused of providing a false address when purchasing a gun from a local shop in 2021 and reached a plea agreement with federal prosecutors in January.
In the case of the elder Syed, a murder conviction would carry a maximum sentence of life in prison.
veryGood! (1)
Related
- US wholesale inflation accelerated in November in sign that some price pressures remain elevated
- See Olivia Culpo, Alix Earle and More Influencers' #OOTDs at New York Fashion Week
- Sri Lanka’s president will appoint a committee to probe allegations of complicity in 2019 bombings
- Biden highlights business deals and pays respects at John McCain memorial to wrap up Vietnam visit
- Nearly 400 USAID contract employees laid off in wake of Trump's 'stop work' order
- Some authors will need to tell Amazon if their book used AI material
- Michael Irvin returns to NFL Network after reportedly settling Marriott lawsuit
- All the Celebrity Godparents You Didn't Know About
- Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
- With Rubiales finally out, Spanish soccer ready to leave embarrassing chapter behind
Ranking
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- Why autoworkers' leader is calling for a 4-day work week from Big 3 car makers
- Sabotage attempts reported at polling stations in occupied Ukraine as Russia holds local elections
- Stranded American caver arrives at base camp 2,300 feet below ground
- Tom Holland's New Venture Revealed
- 'The Nun 2' spoilers! What that post-credits scene teases for 'The Conjuring' future
- Stranded American caver arrives at base camp 2,300 feet below ground
- AP Top 25 Takeaways: Texas is ready for the SEC, but the SEC doesn’t look so tough right now
Recommendation
Could your smelly farts help science?
New Mexico governor issues order suspending the right to carry firearms in Albuquerque
Will Hurricane Lee turn and miss the East Coast? Latest NHC forecast explained.
Federal railroad inspectors find alarming number of defects on Union Pacific this summer
Mets have visions of grandeur, and a dynasty, with Juan Soto as major catalyst
Emily Blunt and John Krasinski and Their 2 Daughters Make Rare Public Family Appearance at U.S. Open
What's going on with Cash App and Square? Payment services back up after reported outages
Kroger, Alberston's sell hundreds of stores to C&S Wholesale Grocer in merger