Mohammed Abdulkareem, who is accused in the shooting death of 28-year-old Dr. Benjamin Harouni, a dentist in El Cajon, CA, appeared in court on August 17 as a judge considered whether he may continue representing himself. The latest development in Abdulkareem’s legal case was reported by Fox 5 News.
Since his arrest in 2024, Abdulkareem has been representing himself. A public defender has been appointed as standby counsel. The August 17 hearing centered on Abdulkareem’s ability to continue acting as his own attorney. At the hearing, the judge reviewed a court-ordered evaluation assessing whether Abdulkareem is competent to continue representing himself.
Dr. Benjamin Harouni.Smile Plus Dentistry & Orthodontics.
Dr. Benjamin Harouni, who worked alongside his father, Dr. Jack Harouni, at Smile Plus Dentistry & Orthodontics in El Cajon sustained gunshot wounds and died from his injuries on February 29, 2024. Abdulkareem injured two other practice workers: George Issaian, the office manager, and Yarelli Carrillo, the front-desk administrator.
Prior to the shooting, Abdulkareem allegedly repeatedly went to Smile Plus over the course of 1 ½ years 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.
At about 4:15 p.m. on February 29, 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.
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 taken into custody. Abdulkareem has pleaded not guilty to murder and attempted murder charges.
The judge did not issue a ruling on August 17 whether Abdulkareem can continue as his own legal representative. The issue is expected to be revisited at a future hearing.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
