Authorities in Sonora, Mexico, say a 30-year-old American citizen was wanted in the October 15 killing of a dentist in Nogales. According to the state attorney general’s office, he went to the dental office demanding immediate treatment, was turned away, then waited outside and shot the dentist multiple times. Investigators believe the motive was anger over an earlier dental procedure. The dentist, identified as Amed de Jesus N., was 42.
Two days later, Mexican police located the suspect at a home in Agua Prieta and moved in to arrest him. He opened fire, and the officers returned fire. The suspect was killed, and two Mexican police officers were injured. Reports indicate the suspect had a criminal record in the U.S. for drug-related offenses. Mexican authorities say they are coordinating with the U.S. consulate on the case.
The story touches several things that hit close to home on the Suncoast: cross-border travel, the frustration so many of us feel dealing with medical and dental bills, and the safety of people who work in health care offices. Patient complaints do have official channels through state boards, licensing agencies, and civil courts. If you’ve crossed the border for care, or if you work in a dental or medical office, we want to hear from you. What’s your experience been?
