Suspect in murders of Muslim men faces third murder charge

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — 51-year-old Muhammad Syed, the Muslim man accused in the shooting deaths of four Muslim men in Albuquerque, is facing new charges.

Syed is now charged with the murder of Naeem Hussein. According to a grand jury indictment, cell phone records linked him to the death.

Syed is also charged with the deaths of Aftab Hussein and Muhammad Afzaal Hussain.

Friends reportedly told police that Naeem Hussein attended the burial services for Aftab Hussein and Muhammad Afzaal Hussain on Aug. 5. He then drove, alone, to the Lutheran Family Services Center, where he was shot and killed.

Detectives reviewed surveillance video that showed a gray Volkswagen sedan fleeing the scene after Naeem Hussein was shot. Tips and additional surveillance video helped detectives identify the vehicle and the owner of the car, Muhammad Syed.

Court filings show Syed is also facing new tampering with evidence charges.

Dates of homicides:

• July 26, 2022 – Aftab Hussein was shot and killed on Rhode Island St. NE
• Aug. 1, 2022 – Muhammad Afzaal Hussain was shot and killed on Cornell Dr. SE
• Aug. 5, 2022 – Naeem Hussein was shot and killed on Truman St. NE

Authorities are still investigating Syed’s involvement in the November 2021 murder of Mohammad Ahmadi, where he remains the prime suspect.

“Our homicide detectives continue to work with prosecutors to ensure all victims receive justice in this tragic case,” Albuquerque Police Department Chief Harold Medina said.