Verdict reached in first trial for man accused of killing 3 Muslim men in Albuquerque
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A jury on Monday found Muhammad Syed guilty of first-degree murder for the July 26, 2022, killing of Aftab Hussein, a 41-year-old Pakistani immigrant in Albuquerque.
Police said Hussein was shot on Rhode Island Street near Copper. Jury deliberation started on Monday morning around 9:00am. It took them only two hours to reach their verdict.
Both the defense and the prosecution rested their cases on Friday after four days of testimony and 20 witnesses. Syed did not testify during the trial. Syed is now a convicted murderer, but the prosecution says his motive is still unknown.
“There’s only minimal conjecture on possible motive. As best we can tell, the motive in this may truly be a random serial killer type of mentality that we will never understand,” says David Waymire, prosecuting attorney.
Story continues below:
August 4: Police: 3 separate murders of Muslim men in Albuquerque could be related
August 6: Homicide could be connected to other Muslim shootings
August 7: APD seeks vehicle of interest in homicide investigation
August 8: Victim’s brother speaks out as police investigate if Muslim murders are connected
August 8: Muslims fleeing Albuquerque, Afghan community remembers 4th victim
August 9: Suspect arrested in murders of Albuquerque Muslim men
August 10: Police search for motive as community grapples with murder of Muslim men
August 10: Video: Murder suspect appears to slash tires in parking lot of Albuquerque mosque
“Certainly we felt relief, I think that the relief that we feel is certain upon us but as well as the community. We’re just proud of the verdict, proud of the work the jury did in deliberations,” says Jordan Machin, prosecuting attorney.
The prosecution team says they believe the cell phone records putting Syed in the area of the shooting, the gun linked to him, and the note Syed wrote in his Notes app saying he would ‘test’ his AK-47 minutes before the murder all helped make the case.
Syed’s defense team expressed disappointment with the verdict: “We respect the jury system. This is the best system in the world. Obviously we’re disappointed but the jury made their decision, they made a unanimous decision regarding our clients guilt and we have to respect that,” says Thomas Clark, defense attorney for Syed.
“Well certainly we respect their decision but we are understandably disappointed on behalf of our client,” says Megan Mitsunaga, defense attorney for Syed.
Syed still faces two other murder trials for two separate killings that took place in 2022. The next trial that’s expected to take place is for 27-year-old Muhammad Afzaal Hussain, a UNM alumni and Espanola city planner who was shot and killed while walking near his house at night near Cornell and Coal Avenue.
His brother, Muhammad Imtiaz Hussain, has been following this case and also spoke out Monday: “At least it give us a little bit of relief at least, that person who has potential of killing innocent lives, he is behind the bar and no other brother, no other son, will become victim of that hate-monger.”
The third trial is expected to be for 25-year-old Naeem Hussain. Police said Hussain was shot to death while sitting in his car in the parking lot of Lutheran Family Services on Truman off San Mateo, just north of Central Avenue.
No word yet on when the next trial will be scheduled. At sentencing, Syed faces life behind bars without parole for this first degree murder charge. His defense team says they plan to appeal the charge to the state supreme court, but plan to do so after the third murder trial has concluded.
APD Police Chief Harold Medina released a statement on the verdict.
Although the pain caused by these hateful acts can never truly be healed, today’s verdict can hopefully provide some closure for the family and members of the Muslim community. The hard work from investigation to arrest to prosecution, proves that Albuquerque is strongest when we all come together.
Chief Harold Medina
The City of Albuquerque released this statement:
“We hope this outcome offers solace to the grieving and serves as a reminder that hate will never triumph over unity and determination in Albuquerque. In the face of tragedy, the dedication displayed by law enforcement agencies and collaboration with the Muslim community to solve this crime underscores our city’s resilience.”
City of Albuquerque