A judge is currently considering whether a man accused of killing a California dentist and wounding two other practice employees can continue to act as his own attorney, FOX 5 San Diego reported Aug. 17.
Mohammed Sabah Abdulkareem allegedly opened fire at Smile Plus Dentistry & Orthodontics in El Cajon, Calif., in February 2024. Benjamin Harouni, DDS, was pronounced dead at the scene from gunshot injuries to the body.
Mr. Abdulkareem, who authorities have previously said is believed to be a “disgruntled former patient,” pleaded not guilty to one count of murder and two counts of premeditated attempted murder. He has been held without bail since his arrest.
Mr. Abdulkareem was deemed competent to stand trial earlier this year and has chosen to represent himself in court up until now, with a public defender recently appointed as standby counsel. The judge reviewed a court-ordered evaluation addressing Mr. Abdulkareem’s ability to continue representing himself during an Aug. 17 hearing, but did not issue a final ruling. The issue is expected to be revisited at a later date.
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