Afghan refugee stands trial in first of 3 killings that shocked Albuquerque’s Muslim community
By SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN
Associated Press
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — An Afghan refugee accused in the slayings of three Muslim men in Albuquerque, New Mexico, was in court as attorneys delivered opening statements in the first of three trials. Muhammad Syed has been in custody since his arrest in August 2022 after the killings shook New Mexico’s Muslim community. Police have said Syed also is the suspect in a fourth killing of a Muslim shop owner, but no charges have been filed in that case. During their opening statements Tuesday, prosecutors did not address a possible motive for the killing of 41-year-old Aftab Hussein. They said only that Syed was deliberate in his actions. Syed has denied involvement.