A judge in El Cajon has ordered the man accused in last year's deadly shooting at a neighborhood dental office to stand trial, moving a high-profile case one big step closer to a jury.
Prosecutors say Mohammed Abdulkareem is the gunman who opened fire at the Smile Plus dental practice on Feb. 29, 2024, killing dentist Dr. Benjamin Harouni and wounding two staff members. After months of hearings and courtroom fights over his mental competency, the case is now officially headed toward trial.
Judge Clears Case For Trial
At a preliminary hearing, Judge John Thompson ruled there was enough evidence to proceed. Prosecutors read portions of a letter they say Abdulkareem wrote, in which the author describes firing several rounds and seeing people in the waiting room, a detail the prosecution leaned on heavily in court, as reported by The San Diego Union-Tribune.
How Prosecutors Say The Shooting Unfolded
According to investigators, Abdulkareem walked into the clinic and opened fire with a semiautomatic handgun, unleashing roughly two dozen rounds in about a minute before taking off in a rented truck. Court filings state he had legally purchased the firearm only days earlier. Police later found him near Balboa Park with a loaded handgun, extra magazines and additional ammunition, according to the San Diego County District Attorney's Office.
Victim, Injuries And Possible Motive
The shooting killed 28-year-old Dr. Benjamin Harouni and injured two employees, a woman in her 20s and an office manager in his 40s, who were hospitalized and expected to recover, according to local coverage. Authorities have identified the suspect as a former patient who had repeatedly complained about dental treatment, and the District Attorney's hate-crimes team is reviewing potential motives. Prosecutors have said he faces more than 100 years to life in prison if convicted on all charges, as reported by NBC 7 San Diego.
Competency Fight And Courtroom Moments
In a recent hearing, a court-appointed doctor found Abdulkareem competent to stand trial. His attorney pushed back, asking for an independent mental health evaluation, and the judge agreed. Abdulkareem told the court he feels able to help with his own defense while members of Dr. Harouni's family watched from the gallery. A status hearing and the independent evaluation are both set for July 22, according to KGTV/10News.
What Happens Next
Judge Thompson has ordered the case to move forward toward trial but has not yet locked in a trial date while the new competency review plays out. Abdulkareem remains in jail without bail as prosecutors continue sifting through evidence and preparing their case. Prosecutors have also said that additional charges could be filed if new evidence comes to light, as reported by NBC 7 San Diego.
Legal Stakes And Competency Wild Card
Abdulkareem is charged with one count of murder and two counts of premeditated attempted murder, along with special allegations involving use of a firearm and great bodily injury. If he is convicted on all charges and enhancements, prosecutors say he could face decades behind bars up to life in prison. The upcoming independent competency exam looms large over the timeline. If a judge later finds him incompetent to stand trial, the criminal proceedings could be put on hold while he undergoes treatment or restoration services, delaying any trial date, according to the San Diego County District Attorney's Office.
