AZTEC, N.M. — Court records allege a San Juan County man was arrested following a domestic violence incident in which a woman reported being strangled and prevented from leaving a residence.
The allegations are outlined in a statement of probable cause filed Jan. 26, 2026, in Aztec Magistrate Court.
All allegations described below are drawn from court filings and law enforcement statements. No conviction has been entered. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
What court records allege
Deputies respond to reported domestic fight
According to the probable cause statement, a San Juan County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a residence shortly after midnight on Jan. 24, 2026, following a report of a domestic disturbance.
The reporting party told deputies she had been involved in a physical altercation with Willie Ladarian Darius and fled the residence to seek help from a neighbor.
Injuries observed by deputy
Upon making contact, the deputy observed visible injuries, including bruising on the neck and forearm, as well as additional redness and swelling consistent with recent physical trauma, according to court records.
The reporting party also had blood on her upper lip, blood in one ear, a scrape on her knee, and a swollen finger, the statement alleges.
Alleged strangulation and restraint
According to the statement, the woman reported that the argument escalated after the defendant returned home late. She alleged he slapped her, struck her repeatedly, and later held her down by the neck, causing difficulty breathing.
Court records state she reported feeling dizzy, nearly losing consciousness, and being unable to leave the residence while being restrained.
Defendant statements
The deputy later contacted Darius by phone. According to the statement, he denied striking the woman but admitted to restraining her to prevent her from leaving the residence.
Deputies also observed damage to a bedroom window that they said was consistent with the reporting party’s account of escaping the residence.
Charges and case status
Felony charges alleged
Based on the investigation, deputies found probable cause to charge Darius with aggravated battery (strangulation) and false imprisonment, both felony offenses under New Mexico law.
Case status
Court records indicate Darius was arrested without a warrant. The case remains pending in San Juan County Magistrate Court.
Presumption of innocence:
All charges are allegations. Willie Ladarian Darius is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.