Update in Albuquerque ‘serial killer’ case as ‘prime suspect’ in shootings detained after cops find vehicle of interest

A PRIME suspect is in custody in the murders of two Muslim men after four deaths sparked serial killer fears in Albuquerque.

Police tracked down a vehicle believed to be involved in the murders - three of which have occurred during the last three weeks - and arrested the driver.

Muhammad Syed, 51, was taken into custody on Monday night, officials announced.

He was charged on Tuesday with killing two Muslim men, Aftab Hussein on July 26 and Muhammad Afzaal Hussain on August 1.

The gun used in the two shootings was found during an overnight search of Syed's home, cops said. Bullet casings found at the two scenes helped detectives link the cases.

Police are now working with the district attorney's office on "potential charges" in two other deaths, the August 5 murder of Naeem Hussain and the November 7 slaying of Mohammad Zaher Ahmadi.

Syed's vehicle, a four-door, dark gray or silver Volkswagen Jetta was suspected to have been used in at least one murder, cops said.

Officers were preparing to search Syed's home on Monday when they saw him in the Jetta. They detained the suspect and searched his home and car, which led to more evidence.

A $20,000 reward was previously offered by authorities for information that would lead to an arrest.

It is currently not known publicly who tipped off authorities on the whereabouts of the vehicle.

Mohammad Ahmadi was the first victim in the spree of killings. The man from Afghanistan was 62 years old at the time of his death on November 7, 2021.

On July 26, Aftab Hussein was fatally shot in Albuquerque.

Muhammad Afzaal was killed on August 1, and Naeem Hussain was killed in cold blood this past Friday shortly before midnight.

All four victims were South Asian immigrants who attended the same mosque, said police. 

The New York Times reported that religion may have played a role in the slayings.

Three of the victims had attended the Islamic Center of New Mexico, according to its president, Ahmad Assed.

Authorities reportedly told Assed that the victims may have been targeted because of the suspect's anger over his daughter marrying a Shiite Muslim.

The suspect is reportedly a Sunni Muslim, the Times reports.

Evidence indicated that the suspect knew the victims to some extent and an interpersonal conflict may have led to the shootings, cops said.

While the investigation continues, police are coming out in greater numbers to protect community mosques and local schools with Muslim affiliation.

Anybody with information on the murders was urged to contact Albuquerque Metro Crime Stoppers at 505-843-STOP.