Jurors Weigh Fate of Afghan Refugee Charged With Murder in a Case That Shocked Muslim Community

Jurors Weigh Fate of Afghan Refugee Charged With Murder in a Case That Shocked Muslim Community
Muhammad Syed sits next to his defense attorney Thomas Clark, left, during closing arguments at the Bernalillo County Courthouse in Downtown Albuquerque, N.M., on March 15, 2024. Chancey Bush/The Albuquerque Journal via AP, Pool
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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.—Prosecutors on Friday wrapped up their case against an Afghan refugee on charges that he gunned down a man in 2022 in what turned out to be the first of three ambush-style killings involving members of the Muslim community in New Mexico’s largest city.

Muhammad Syed, who settled in the U.S. several years ago with his family, quickly became the main suspect after authorities issued photographs of a vehicle believed to be involved in the shootings. He was taken into custody after being pulled over in the vehicle more than 100 miles (160 kilometers) from Albuquerque.