Sonora dentist murdered by American patient following dental dispute

A 42-year-old dentist, Amed de Jesús Preciado Hernández, was shot and killed in the parking lot of his clinic in Nogales, Sonora, on October 15. The suspect, identified as 30-year-old American citizen Ernest “N” (also referred to as Ernesto Rascón), allegedly targeted the doctor after becoming angry over a dental procedure involving a loose tooth and being refused an immediate appointment without a prior reservation.

Security footage captured the attack as the victim approached his white Ford Lobo truck. The suspect fled the scene but was located two days later in Agua Prieta. During an attempted arrest by the Ministerial Agency of Criminal Investigation (AMIC) and municipal police, a shootout occurred. The suspect was killed in the confrontation, and two police officers sustained injuries, including a gunshot wound to the head and a leg injury, though both are reported to be out of danger.

The suspect reportedly had a prior criminal history in the United States involving drug-related offenses and driving under the influence.