APD, FBI arrest primary suspect in murder of Muslim men
APD detectives and FBI agents arrested Muhammad Syed, 51, who they consider to be the primary suspect in the recent murders of Muslim men in Albuquerque.
As detectives prepared to search Syed’s home in Southeast Albuquerque on Monday, Syed drove from the residence in the Volkswagon Jetta that detectives believe was used in at least one of the murders. Detectives detained Syed and searched his home and the vehicle. They discovered additional evidence that further tied Syed to the murders.
Detectives discovered evidence that shows the offender knew the victims to some extent and an interpersonal conflict may have led to the shootings.
Syed is being charged with two of the homicides – the July 26, 2022 murder of Aftab Hussein, and the Aug. 1, 2022 murder of Muhammad Afzaal Hussain. Detectives connected those homicides using bullet casings found at the scenes. The gun used in those shootings was discovered during the overnight search of his home.
“This has been a tough week for our community,” APD Chief Harold Medina said. “But we all pitched in to solve these crimes and protect a community that felt like it was under attack. We came together, like we always do in Albuquerque.”
APD Chief Harold Medina said detectives will continue to work with the District Attorney’s Office on potential charges for the other two homicides – the Aug. 5, 2022, murder of Naeem Hussain, and the Nov. 7, 2021 murder of Mohammad Zaher Ahmadi.
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