A local dentist was killed, and two others were seriously injured at Smile Plus Dentistry & Orthodontics on Thursday, February 27, 2024, in El Cajon, California.
The incident, which occurred around 4:15 p.m., was perpetrated by 29-year-old Mohammed Abdulkareem, who police identified as a “disgruntled” former patient of the dental practice. The suspect, dressed entirely in black, entered the dental office and opened fire, striking two adult men and one adult woman.
The Immediate Aftermath
The assailant then fled the scene in a U-Haul pickup truck bearing Arizona license plates, launching a manhunt by local law enforcement. Despite the response of first responders, who arrived on the scene within two minutes, Dr. Benjamin Harouni was pronounced dead at the office, while the two other victims, identified as receptionist Yareli Carrillo, 28, and a man in his 40s, were transported to the hospital in serious but stable condition.
The Manhunt and Arrest
The search for Abdulkareem ended nearly five hours after the shooting when a citizen reported the abandoned rental truck in San Diego, 20 miles from the scene of the crime.
The suspect was apprehended nearby and found with a loaded handgun and several magazines. Investigations revealed he had meticulously planned the attack, having legally purchased the firearm two weeks before the incident and rented the U-Haul just one hour before the shooting.
Legal Charges and Motive
The suspect has been charged with murder and two counts of attempted murder. The motive behind the attack, according to police, stemmed from his dissatisfaction as a previous customer of the dental practice.
“He required assistance,” his brother conveyed to the local media. “He was experiencing fear and paranoia, believing that everyone was out to get him, imagining gangs and cartels. He was perceiving things that weren’t occurring.”
The Community’s Loss
The dental office, owned by Dr. Harouni’s father, has been a fixture in the local healthcare community, providing dental care to residents of the area. The loss of Dr. Harouni, who had recently celebrated his 28th birthday and is described as a dedicated healthcare professional, has been deeply felt by colleagues, patients, and the community.
Remembering Dr. Harouni
On Sunday, March 3, a solemn gathering was held to remember Dr. Benjamin Harouni. At the service, Beverly Hills City Councilmember Sharona Nazarian expressed the community’s grief over Harouni’s premature death, marking the occasion as one of mourning and remembrance.
During his memorial at El Camino Memorial Park in Sorrento Valley, Harouni was fondly remembered by friends and family. Rabbi Zalman Carlebach of Chabad of Downtown San Diego highlighted Harouni’s altruistic nature and his commitment to the well-being of others, describing him as a profoundly kind and remarkable individual.
A Vigil for Peace and Love
Later that day, a vigil in El Cajon allowed the community to come together in Harouni’s memory. His younger brother, Jacob, expressed his deep regret for not sharing his feelings with Benjamin more often, describing him as an exceptionally empathetic, selfless, and pure-hearted individual.
Attendees echoed this sentiment, praising Harouni’s positivity, kindness, generosity, and dedication to helping others. Jacob also shared that Benjamin chose dentistry against his father’s advice, driven by a desire to care for and bring smiles to people’s faces. The family plans to establish a foundation in Harouni’s memory, aiming to continue his legacy of peace and love.
Police Investigation and Community Reassurance
The El Cajon Police Department has stated that early investigation findings suggest no racial or political motivation behind the attack, reassuring the community while promising to keep them updated as the investigation progresses.