Police: Attack on Iraqi Catholic woman in Albuquerque home was motivated by hate

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Police say an Iraqi refugee who was assaulted in her Albuquerque apartment appears to be the victim of a hate crime.

Albuquerque police spokesman Simon Drobik said a man forced his way into Seham Jaber's home last week, yelled obscenities about Muslims and punched her in the head and stomach. Investigators say the intruder then tore up her family's citizenship papers in the June 5 attack.

Jaber, who is Catholic, told police the unknown assailant also stole at least $20,000 in gold, which represented her family's life savings.

The suspect was described as wearing a mask, jeans and a yellow T-shirt.

No arrest has been made.

Jaber, her husband and three sons came to Albuquerque in 2008 as refugees.