A judge ruled on June 23 that a reportedly disgruntled ex-patient accused of fatally shooting a dentist and wounding two other employees at a dental practice in California will stand trial, according to multiple news reports.
Mohammed Abdulkareem is accused of killing dentist Dr. Benjamin Harouni and injuring employees George Issaian and Yarelli Carrillo at Smile Plus Dentistry & Orthodontics in El Cajon, CA, in February 2024. The judge found sufficient evidence to proceed to trial following a hearing in which Abdulkareem represented himself and questioned witnesses, according to the stories.
Mohammed Abdulkareem.
During the hearing, a video was played showing Abdulkareem pacing around the dental practice and shooting Harouni, according to the stories.
For about half a year, Abdulkareem allegedly repeatedly went to Smile Plus to express his dissatisfaction with the dental treatment he received at the practice. During this time, Abdulkareem allegedly became erratic, causing dental staff to fear him.
In the late afternoon of February 29, 2024, Abdulkareem reportedly entered the dental practice, said nothing, and immediately began shooting. About two dozen rounds were fired within about one minute, according to reports.
Dr. Benjamin Harouni.Smile Plus Dentistry & Orthodontics.
Harouni tried to hide behind a door but was shot multiple times in his upper body. The 28-year-old dentist died from his injuries at the practice.
Issaian, the practice office manager, was shot five times in the hand, elbow, and torso, and Carrillo, the front desk administrative assistant, was shot in the legs.
After the shooting, Abdulkareem allegedly fled in a rented U-Haul truck that was spotted later that evening. The truck was located, and Abdulkareem was found nearby and taken into custody.
At the time, the former patient was purportedly found in possession of a handgun and ammunition, which were consistent with the one used in the shooting, according to reports.
About five days before the shooting, Abdulkareem reportedly received the gun that he had legally purchased, according to stories.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
