This link will take you to a site over which the City of Albuquerque has no control. Liz Thomson points out that there does appear to be similar connections among Albuquerques homicides. Data from FBI UCR. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, MURDERS IN ALBUQUERQUE MUSLIM COMMUNITY: NEW MEXICO OFFICIALS OFFERING $20K REWARD FOR INFO LEADING TO KILLER, Altaf Hussain cries over the grave of his brother Aftab Hussein at Fairview Memorial Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, Aug. 5, 2022. John Anderson, Shaheen Syeds attorneysaid in court filings that the allegations against his client were "thin and speculative.". Albuquerque recorded 76 murders in 2020, four fewer than in 2019. In fact, the Albuquerque Police Department counted 10 more homicides than in 2021, the previous record-setting year. An Afghan refugee who was already facing two murder charges for the recent slayings of two Muslim men in Albuquerque, New Mexico, was indicted on a third count Friday for allegedly killing another man who had just attended funeral services for the other two victims on Aug. 5. Both men were killed near Central Avenue in southeast Albuquerque, police said. Homicide List as of 17 May 2021. By August, Albuquerque had already equaled its record for homicides with 81, set in 2019. Stephanie Pagones is a Digital Reporter for FOX Business and Fox News. All Rights Reserved. In recent years, the data showed that inane, petty disputes increasingly sparked killings. The most effective thing about policing is engagement with the community going to neighborhood meetings, interacting with kids, Thomson says. Authorities had said the student who shot his classmate brought his fathers gun to school. (Albuquerque Police Department via AP, File). That put Albuquerque in the top 10 most violent Adding to the homicide team wont prevent homicides, APDs Gilbert Gallegos says. He acknowledged over the summer that the city would surely surpass 100 killings in 2021, and he remains under pressure to address the problem as he starts his second term. Shots were fired at his SUV around 4 p.m., striking him in the head and the arm. 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Ten minutes after the shooting, the motion states the men shared a second call as their phones remained in the "general area of the murder.". APD Homicide List for WEB SITE (as of 17MAY2021).pdf or redistributed. , New Mexico man accused of sex crime against student, One person dead, another hospitalized in SE ABQ shooting, Case dismissed for teen accused of taking gun to, Dancing in the Cave at the University of New Mexico, Whats happening around New Mexico Feb. 24 Mar. Detectives on Thursday determined there is a connection between the Aug. 1, 2022, murder of Muhammed Afzaal Hussain, 27, and the July 26, 2022, murder of Aftab The guns were seized during a search of the family's home; and testing determined bullet casings found at the July 25 and Aug. 1 shootings matched the rifle that belonged to Muhammad Syed. Albuquerque (Chancey Bush/The Albuquerque Journal via AP). The official website for the City of Albuquerque. The son of a New Mexico man suspected of gunning down four Muslim men over the course of several months will remain in custody pending trial for allegedly using a bogus address to buy a gun last year. The FBI is assisting in the murder investigations. Shaheen Syed was charged last week with lying about his address when he purchased two guns in 2021. The Albuquerque Police Department released body camera video of officers arresting the man who is being charged with the murder of two Muslims and suspected of killing two other Muslims. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. On Sunday,the Albuquerque Police Department released images of a vehicle that they believe to have been used for transport in the four murders. 443.0 KB, For non-emergency police calls, call 505-242-COPS. Muhammad Syed, a 51-year-old man who has lived in Albuquerque for about five years, is also suspected in a fourth murder that occurred in November 2021. FILE - Family members wait to pick up students after a fatal shooting at Washington Middle School in Albuquerque, N.M., on Aug. 13, 2021. Albuquerque murder suspect said he was going to Texas to Altaf Hussain cries over the grave of his brother Aftab Hussein at Fairview Memorial Park in Albuquerque, N.M., on Friday, Aug. 5, 2022. Legal Statement. Syed is accused of waiting "behind a bush" for Hussein to park his car before ambushing him, according to court documents. The lie that people are told is that drug crimes are nonviolent, Huffmyer says. Homicide List as of 17 May 2021 City of Albuquerque Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. (Adolphe Pierre-Louis/Albuquerque Journal via AP). or redistributed. Given the recent increase in homicides, APD has been increasing both presence and engagement in certain areas, recently focusing on a Montgomery neighborhood with bouts of violence. You start to look deeper and you realize: Is it really the drugs? Police in New Mexico are stepping up security at Albuquerque-area mosques and Muslim community schools as investigators hunt for the suspect who gunned down four Muslim men over the past nine months. ABQ Crime Map - Albuquerque Homicide Locations In 2018, the Albuquerque Police Department began reporting crime statistics using the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Incident-Based Reporting The teen was initially charged with an open count of murder and unlawful carrying of a deadly weapon on school premises. (Chancey Bush/The Albuquerque Journal via AP). In the first three quarters of 2021, Albuquerque had 111 violent crimes per 10,000 people, according to data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Albuquerques homicide count rose by about 30% in that time. Data from FBI UCR Program. ALBUQUERQUE MURDER SUSPECT TRIES TO SPEAK IN COURT; FAMILY REPORTEDLY SAYS HE WAS HOME AT TIME OF SLAYINGS. Albuquerque Murders Tuesday marked four days since police received word of their most recent murder. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. He was originally arrested on Aug. 9. , One person dead, another hospitalized in SE ABQ shooting, Dancing in the Cave at the University of New Mexico, Whats happening around New Mexico Feb. 24 Mar. Why is violent crime going up in Albuquerque? There is one thing that certainly stands in the way of reducing Albuquerques violent crime, says Liz Thomson: In regards to reducing violent crime, investigating and solving violent crime, the blame game is the worst thing, she says. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) New Mexicos largest city recorded 117 killings in 2021, shattering its previous homicide record by 46%. Over the past 35 years, Albuquerques yearly homicide count has averaged about 45 homicides per year, KRQE reported. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Olympic ticket sales for Paris Games gets off to, 7 Cubs pitchers combine for no-hitter vs Machado,, Mikal Bridges helps Nets rally to stun Celtics, 115-105, NASCAR star Elliott has leg surgery after snowboard, U.S. jury poised to weigh international soccers. Hartsock also notes that the department instituted regular check-ins on open murder cases to help come up with new ideas into investigations. Interactive Slider: Over the last few years, homicides (orange markers) have been focused around downtown Albuquerque and Central Ave. New Mexico Teen Pleads No Contest in Fatal School Shooting People see a camera and they feel better, but cameras dont necessarily prevent crime, she says. At the end of December 2022, the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) published a list of 120 homicides that had occurred throughout the year. The contents of any site or link not maintained by the City does not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of the City of Albuquerque, its officials, agents or employees. KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. The boy will remain in state custody until hes 21, the maximum sentence allowed for a child under New Mexico law. run a police homicide unit. The rage behind As of April 18, 2021, the Albuquerque Police Department (APD) recorded 35 homicides across the city. Albuquerque Police identify man killed outside Nob Hill home It was horrific, Thomson recalls. That count exceeds the 2021 record of 110 homicides counted by APD. That puts Albuquerque in the top 10 most violent cities with populations of over 100,000 people. Family members told judge that Bennie was missed and that it hurt even more that another child was the one who committed the crime. Yet, I can pretty honestly say that I believe Chase Smotherman would have become violent if they had stolen his garden tools.. Albuquerque Metro Crime Stoppers announced a $20,000 reward for information leading to a suspect, and urged anyone with information related to the killings to call Crime Stoppers at (505) 843-STOP (7867) orsubmit tips here. Market data provided by Factset. Crime Statistics Our Department Officer Wellness Internal Affairs Behavioral Sciences Section Sexual Assault Evidence Kit ALBUQUERQUE MURDER SUSPECT TRIES TO SPEAK IN COURT; FAMILY REPORTEDLY SAYS HE WAS HOME AT TIME OF SLAYINGS. KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. Albuquerque, however, has seen a bigger rise in homicides than many similarly-sized cities, according to data from the Major Cities Chiefs Association, a group that represents police executives in large cities across the US. In the past, she says, it was easy to point the finger at political scapegoats or at gang violence. Muhammad Syed is scheduled to appear before a state district judge Wednesday as prosecutors seek to have him detained without bond pending trial on the two counts of murder. An Imam leads a group of men during the Dhuhr afternoon prayer at the Islamic Center of New Mexico in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022, after the fourth Muslim man was murdered in the city. ALBUQUERQUE POLICE REQUEST ASSISTANCE IN IDENTIFYING VEHICLE OF INTEREST IN MURDERS OF FOUR MUSLIM MEN. KRQE News 13 reported that 2022 federal fentanyl busts around Albuquerque have been among the largest ever. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Olympic ticket sales for Paris Games gets off to, 7 Cubs pitchers combine for no-hitter vs Machado,, Mikal Bridges helps Nets rally to stun Celtics, 115-105, NASCAR star Elliott has leg surgery after snowboard, U.S. jury poised to weigh international soccers, 2022 brought a record number of homicides. Legal Statement. , New Mexico man accused of sex crime against student, One person dead, another hospitalized in SE ABQ shooting, Case dismissed for teen accused of taking gun to, Dancing in the Cave at the University of New Mexico, Whats happening around New Mexico Feb. 24 Mar. 3 Mar. Court documents state that two guns purchased by Syed and his father at an Albuquerque gun store in July had been partially painted white. A funeral service was held for Aftab Hussein, 41, and Muhammad Afzaal Hussain, 27, at the Islamic Center of New Mexico on Friday. Market data provided by Factset. And the problem extends far beyond Central. And even data on violent crimes doesnt paint the full picture. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. For example, in 2017, during her time as a sergeant, Thomson saw one of the most heinous murders: the murder of John Soyka. But Aneela Abad, general secretary for the Islamic Center of New Mexico, told The Associated Press the community is grappling not only with the losses, but also the fear and confusion. Drug-related homicides are definitely up this year quite a bit, says Gilbert Gallegos. Syed, the suspect, has "denied having any involvement in the murders in this case," according to a criminal complaint. Statistics released by Chicago police over the weekend listed 797 homicides 25 more than were recorded in 2020 and the most since 1996. All rights reserved. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. The rise in fentanyl deals may also contribute, according to Hartsock. Both the Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office and APD say there continues to be challenges to preventing and solving violent crimes. According to the Albuquerque Journal, 27-year-old Muhammed Afzaal Hussain was shot and killed on Aug. 1, while 41-year-old Aftab Hussein was killed on July 26. City officials also have pointed to a lack of consequences for repeat offenders as one of the reasons Albuquerque continues to struggle with crime. With the help of an interpreter, he "denied having any involvement in the murders in this case," thecriminal complaint alleges. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. As a result, violent crime including Albuquerques homicides are the result of what Huffmyer calls a mishmash of complex factors. It looks like nobody cares, Thomson says. A 14-year-old New Mexico boy accused of shooting and killing a classmate in 2021 has pleaded no contest to a charge of second-degree murder, prosecutors said Thursday, March 2, 2023. And he points to the drug trade as a source of violence across New Mexico. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) A 14-year-old New Mexico boy accused of shooting and killing a classmate in 2021 has pleaded no contest to a charge of second-degree murder, prosecutors said Thursday. Liz Thomson, a retired APD homicide sergeant says the department saw a fair number of people shooting each other over relatively small amounts of drugs. The middle school shooting spurred legislation that ended up stalling during last years session. The bill narrowly passed the House and is poised to be considered by the full Senate. This file photo released Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022, by the Albuquerque Police Department shows Muhammad Syed. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. The previous homicide record of 80 was set just three years earlier, during Mayor Tim Kellers first term. spoke about why on KRQE News 13s podcast, Rio Bravo Park cleanup will take longer than expected, Gun safety bill passes Senate, faces one more hurdle, Restaurants still struggling to recover from COVID, Roswell PD: Woman steals, drives wrong-way to get, State basketball tournament: Girls first round recap, BCSO: Kids were living in dirty home containing drugs, Local casino hosts National Fiery Foods & BBQ Show, UNM police arrest man for giving false ID, fleeing, Man connected to political shootings to stay behind, Case dismissed for teen accused of taking gun to, Roswell man arrested in shooting of NMSP officers, Rust asst. ", This undated file photo released by the City of Espaola shows Muhammad Afzaal Hussain, 27, a planning and land use director who was killed in Albuquerque, N.M., on Aug. 1, 2022. Prosecutors claim that Shaheen Syed spoke with his father when his phone was somewhere in the general area of the Islamic Center of New Mexico and soon after his fathers phone pinged in an area that included Lutheran Family Services. , VIDEO: Giant I-40 light poles sway in strong ABQ, Taxidermy birds used to make drones at New Mexico, PHOTOS: Storm leaves parts of state covered in snow, PHOTOS: Winter storm moves through NM leaving snow, PHOTOS: Storm causes snowy, icy roads across New, Map: New Mexico Veterans Monuments and Memorials, 13 Broadcast Pl SW, Albuquerque, NM, 87104, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. His father, 51-year-old Muhammad Syed, has so far been charged with murder for two of the slayings the deaths of Muhammad Afzaal Hussain and Aftab Hussein. Albuquerque Huffmyer explains that because crime data from different jurisdictions and different times fall under different reporting standards, the data that does exist comes from a flawed collection method. On top of that, the sociology of crime is complex, to put it lightly. The Syed family home is a few minutes drive from both the Islamic Center and Lutheran Family Services. Now, the APD is about 200 officers short of being fully staffed, he adds. WebThe West Mesa Murders are the killings of eleven women whose remains were found buried in 2009 in the desert on the West Mesa of Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States.Several suspects have been named, but none were arrested or charged. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Stephanie Pagones is a Digital Reporter for FOX Business and Fox News. ABQ driver pleads guilty after 2021 road rage incident The shooter opened fire during the lunch hour at Washington Middle School in front of numerous students who had returned for the fall semester just two days earlier. Four men all from South Asia and all of whom practice the Muslim faith have been ambushed, shot and killed since November 2021, police have said. Data from CABQ/APD. All of their bodies were found Community members are hoping to make a change when it comes to gun violence in the Duke City.The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) has reported 97 homicide victims, so far, in 2021. Thats why we are pushing forward so fiercely. The official website for the City of Albuquerque. A motive has not been offered by prosecutors, but police said an "interpersonal conflict" may have led to the shootings. In the first three quarters of 2021, Albuquerque had 111 violent crimes per 10,000 people, according to FBI data. That includes Chicago, which marked one of its most violent years on record. , New Mexico man accused of sex crime against student, One person dead, another hospitalized in SE ABQ shooting, Case dismissed for teen accused of taking gun to, Dancing in the Cave at the University of New Mexico, Whats happening around New Mexico Feb. 24 Mar. Albuquerque Muhammad Afzaal Hussain, a 27-year-old local city planner, was shot and killed on Aug. 1. Albuquerque homicides now account for more than half of the entire states yearly homicide count. Although the FBI updates its data bases regularly it does not update published reports. Additionally, APD has added new detectives to the homicide unit. Theres a lot of evidence out there that the environment and what it says has a lot to do with crime, she says. The 311 Community Contact Center is a centralized call center for the City of Albuquerque. Albuquerque Community Connect Camera Registry and Integration. In 2019, there were only 22 homicides by April 18. The data in citywide crime statistics report is based on the official data that APD sends to the FBI. According to the criminal complaint, Syed "waited behind a bush, north of the driveway where Aftab Hussein would park his vehicle. This year, Albuquerque police have investigated more homicides than any time in the last 35 years. Albuquerque police say the first homicide happened on Nov. 7, 2021. But, there are mixed feelings on the effectiveness of simply increasing police presence in troubled areas. Several months before that, on Nov. 7, 2021, 62-year-old Mohammad Ahmadi was discovered shot and killed in the rear parking lot of a halal caf he owned with his brother on San Mateo Boulevard, according to city officials and local affiliate KRQE-TV. Some of those are drug deals gone wrong. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. For years, Albuquerque has had a problem with unsightly property, as reported by KRQE special assignment reporter Gabrielle Burkhart in 2017. But so far, 2021 homicides have been occurring further east. Police believe three recent murders and a murder that happened on Nov. 7, 2021, could be potentially connected. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.(KRQE) The man who was murdered outside of a Nob Hill home over the weekend has been identified. (Adolphe Pierre-Louis/Albuquerque Journal via AP). ABQ Homicides Up 65% Under Keller, 30% Rise Nationally Before those three shootings, 62-year-old Mohammad Ahmadi was discovered shot and killed in the rear parking lot of a halal caf he owned with his brother in November 2021. Other U.S. cities also saw increases in homicide numbers over the past year. What should I do if I am stopped by a police officer? 3 Mar. Both were also Muslim and from Pakistan. , VIDEO: Giant I-40 light poles sway in strong ABQ, Taxidermy birds used to make drones at New Mexico, PHOTOS: Storm leaves parts of state covered in snow, PHOTOS: Winter storm moves through NM leaving snow, PHOTOS: Storm causes snowy, icy roads across New, Map: New Mexico Veterans Monuments and Memorials, 13 Broadcast Pl SW, Albuquerque, NM, 87104, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. But the deputy commander speculated that there are many factors possibly contributing: A larger number of guns on the street, lingering effects of the pandemic, and the ease of finding victims on social media, among others. Naeem Hussain, a Muslim man from Pakistan, was discovered fatally woundedin the area of Truman Street and Grand Avenue just before midnight on Friday, police said. So one could argue that that was a drug-related crime, Thomson says. In the first three quarters of 2021, Albuquerque had 111 violent crimes per 10,000 people, according to data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Story tips can be sent to stephanie.pagones@fox.com and on Twitter: @steph_pagones. Aftab Hussein, 41, was shot and killed on July 26 after parking his car near his home. (Chancey Bush/The Albuquerque Journal via AP). 3 Mar. Police are probing whether he was also involved in the murder. An Imam leads a group of men during the Dhuhr afternoon prayer at the Islamic Center of New Mexico in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022, after the fourth Muslim man was murdered in the city.