US Citizen Accused of Killing Dentist in Mexico Dies in Shootout with Authorities
Ernesto Rascón, who allegedly murdered his dentist in Nogales, Mexico, over a loose tooth, was killed days later when he opened fire on law enforcement during an attempted arrest.
A US citizen, Ernesto Rascón, 30, who was sought for allegedly killing his dentist in Nogales, Mexico, died on Saturday during an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement officers. The incident occurred during a raid at a home in Agua Prieta where officials were attempting to serve an arrest warrant.
Rascón was accused of fatally shooting 42-year-old dentist Amed de Jesús Preciado Hernández on October 15 in Nogales. According to the Criminal Investigation Ministerial Agency (AMIC), Rascón blamed Hernández for leaving him with a loose tooth. Security camera footage reportedly shows Rascón waiting for Hernández to leave a hospital parking lot before approaching his vehicle and firing multiple shots.
AMIC Commissioner Carlos Alberto Flores stated that Rascón, from Prescott, Arizona, had visited Hernández's office for several treatments prior to the fatal encounter. On the day of the shooting, Rascón was reportedly agitated and demanded an appointment, becoming further incensed when the dentist was unavailable.
Following the murder, investigators gathered evidence and secured an arrest warrant. AMIC collaborated with US authorities to locate Rascón, whose prior criminal record in the US includes alleged drug-related offenses and driving under the influence charges.
During the operation to apprehend Rascón, he allegedly opened fire on law enforcement, grazing one state investigative agent on the head and wounding a municipal police officer in the leg. Rascón was killed during the ensuing gun battle.
Nogales, Mexico, is located approximately 280 miles from Prescott, Arizona. The AMIC officers were supported by municipal and state preventive forces during the operation.