An Afghan refugee convicted of first-degree murder earlier this year in one of three fatal shootings that shook Albuquerque’s Muslim community has reached a plea agreement that could resolve criminal charges stemming from the other two killings. The agreement, which will be considered by a state district judge during a hearing on Tuesday, has not been made public.
The convicted individual, identified as Muhammad Syed, is already facing life in prison for the killing of 41-year-old Aftab Hussein in July 2022. The trial for the second case, which was set to begin on Tuesday, was canceled as discussions about changing the plea took place.
The three ambush-style killings occurred over several days, prompting authorities to investigate potential motives related to race or religion. However, the focus shifted away from hate crimes to what prosecutors described as the deliberate actions of a member of the Muslim community.
Prosecutors highlighted Syed's violent history during the first trial, while his defense attorneys argued that previous allegations of domestic violence did not result in convictions. The motive behind the killings remains unclear, leaving the families of the victims eager for more information as subsequent trials are anticipated.
Aside from Aftab Hussein, the other victims included Muhammad Afzaal Hussain, a 27-year-old urban planner who was shot while on an evening walk, and Naeem Hussain, who was gunned down while sitting in his vehicle outside a refugee resettlement agency.
Following the conviction in the case of Aftab Hussein, Syed is required to serve a minimum of 30 years in prison before being eligible for parole. The sentencing hearing for the convicted individual has not yet been scheduled.
