Afghan refugee involved in case that surprised Albuquerque’s Muslim community reaches plea deal

An Afghan refugee, Muhammad Syed, previously convicted of first-degree murder in a fatal shooting in Albuquerque’s Muslim community, has now reached a plea agreement that may resolve charges related to two other killings. The agreement, to be reviewed by a state district judge in a hearing on Tuesday, has not had its details disclosed. Syed was initially facing life imprisonment for the murder of Aftab Hussein in July 2022, and the trial for the second case was canceled as discussions about changing his plea were underway.

The three ambush-style killings that shook the Muslim community raised concerns about hate crimes, but the investigation later focused on the “willful and very deliberate” actions of a member within the same community, as described by prosecutors during the first trial. Despite prosecutors highlighting Syed’s violent history, his defense attorneys argued that prior allegations of domestic violence did not lead to convictions.

The motive behind the killings remained unclear after the first trial, with families of the victims hoping for more insight during subsequent legal proceedings. The two other victims were Muhammad Afzaal Hussain, a 27-year-old urban planner shot during an evening walk on August 1, 2022, and Naeem Hussain, who was shot four days later while sitting in his vehicle outside a refugee resettlement agency in Albuquerque’s south side.

Following the conviction for Aftab Hussein’s murder, Syed faces a minimum of 30 years in prison before being eligible for parole. The sentencing hearing is yet to be scheduled.