SAN DIEGO — There will be a second, independent mental competency hearing for the man accused of shooting and killing a dentist in El Cajon.
29-year-old Mohammed Abdulkareem pleaded not guilty to murder and premeditated attempted murder on March 5 for the February 29 shooting at Smile Plus Dentistry in El Cajon where Benjamin Harouni was killed.
Two other people, an office manager and staffer were also shot. They were taken to the hospital and are recovering.
In a court proceeding that lasted less than five minutes, CBS 8 could hear the defendant shouting at the judge. Abdulkareem was trying to get his message across while handcuffed, behind plexiglass.
His message was that he is fit to stand trial but his attorney, Yahairah Aristy disagrees. Judge Cindy D. Davis acquiesced in court, setting July 22 for a second hearing on Abdulkareem’s second, independent mental health exam.
Judge Davis also admonished Abdulkareem for speaking directly to her instead of through his attorney.
Deputy District Attorney John Philpott explained the dramatic scene after court. He said attorneys can ask for a mental health competency screening even if the defendant might not agree to it.
"And that's the way the law is and that's what happened," Philpott said.
Meanwhile, Harouni’s family says their wait for justice continues.
The courtroom filled with Harouni’s family, friends, colleagues and supporters wearing black shirts with a photo of Benjamin smiling above #HeartsOverHate.
Abdulkareem’s family was also present. They held hands as they left the courtroom.
Harouni’s mom and dad, Jack and Hilda told CBS 8 their lives are on hold.
"Our days have been shot since this happened,” Hilda shared. “Our lives have been on pause ever since February 29. We're alive but we're not living. Our lives have been sucked out of us because Benjamin was the center of our household. Without him, we haven't been able to work. We're just homebound."
"Benjamin was a very loving human being,” Jack added.
“He did everything out of the goodness of his heart. He did free dentistry for people and because of that his brothers wanted to continue his legacy with a foundation called Hearts Over Hate," Hilda said.
On February 29, prosecutors say Adbulkareem walked into the Smile Plus Dentistry office in El Cajon with a gun and shot an office manager, a staffer and then shot 28-year-old Benjamin Harouni several times, killing him.
The Harouni's hope that their new foundation in Benjamin's honor: #HeartsOverHate will inspire more to live and love like Benjamin.
"I know that Ben's spirit is going on with everyone here. He walked in different lives. And he made friends far and near and that says a lot about who he was," Hilda offered.
"I believe at the end of the day, whenever that is, justice will be served,” Jack concluded.
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