(Reuters) – A jury in New Mexico has found an Afghan asylum seeker guilty of the murder of a Pakistani immigrant in one of three ambush-style shootings that occurred in 2022, causing fear among Muslims in the state’s largest city.
53-year-old Muhammad Syed has been convicted of first-degree murder in the killing of 41-year-old Aftab Hussein on July 26, 2022, in southeast Albuquerque. Syed is also facing charges in connection with two other 2022 killings of Muslim men that have been associated with sectarian violence.
Concerns were raised by some national Muslim groups and media outlets about the attacks, but police and Albuquerque’s Islamic community have attributed the incidents to interpersonal conflicts rather than religious or ethnic motives.
Prosecuting attorney David Waymire told reporters after the verdict that the motive behind the killings may be a random serial killer mentality that is difficult to comprehend.
During the trial, evidence was presented showing that Syed’s mobile phone placed him in the vicinity of the shooting at the time it occurred, and spent cartridges found at the scene matched a semi-automatic rifle discovered at Syed’s residence.
In addition to Aftab Hussein, Syed is accused of the murders of 27-year-old urban planner Muhammed Afzaal Hussain on Aug. 1, 2022, and truck driver Naeem Hussain, who was shot four days later. Trials for these two cases are expected to take place later this year.
All three victims were of Afghan or Pakistani descent and had attended the same mosque as Syed in Albuquerque.
Syed has a history of minor criminal offenses since his arrival in the United States, including a previous case involving domestic violence.
(Reporting by Andrew Hay; Editing by Nia Williams)
