Albuquerque police say multiple Muslim men may have been targeted by same killer

Police in Albuquerque, N.M., are investigating the recent killings of three Muslim men in the city as a possible series of connected murders, with authorities including the FBI promising a significant investigation into the matter.

Officials said that the murders in the past week of 27-year-old Muhammed Afzaal Hussain and 41-year-old Aftab Hussein could be linked to that of Mohammad Ahmadi, who was murdered in November. 

"While we are still sifting through all the evidence to look for more connections, it is deeply troubling that these three men were Muslim and of similar descent," Criminal Investigations Division Deputy Commander Kyle Hartsock told media. 

Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina, meanwhile, vowed to throw the police department's weight behind the investigation.

"I want to reassure our friends in the Muslim community that we are making these crimes a top priority for the department," he said during a press conference.

The FBI is also taking part in the investigation.