Nogales dentist murder and suspect death

On October 15, 2026, 42-year-old dentist Amed de Jesús Preciado Hernández was shot and killed in a parking lot at the Kalitea medical plaza in Nogales, Sonora. Investigations by the Sonora State Attorney General's Office and the Criminal Investigation Ministerial Agency revealed the motive was a dispute over a dental procedure that allegedly left a tooth loose.

The suspect, identified as 30-year-old U.S. citizen Ernest “N” (also referred to as Ernesto Rascón) from Prescott, Arizona, had reportedly arrived at the office in an agitated state demanding immediate treatment. Surveillance footage showed the suspect stalking the victim and firing multiple shots through the windshield of the victim's Ford Lobo truck; the footage also recorded the victim's pleas for his life.

On October 17, law enforcement conducted a tactical operation in Agua Prieta to execute an arrest warrant. During the operation, the suspect opened fire on agents from the Ministerial Agency of Criminal Investigation (AMIC) and municipal police. The suspect was killed in the ensuing shootout. Two officers sustained injuries during the exchange, including a gunshot wound to the head and a leg injury, but were reported to be out of danger.

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