A Farmington man has been charged with involuntary manslaughter after a reported altercation in the roadway near Broadway Boulevard and Quality Appliance allegedly left a man incapacitated in traffic, where he was later struck by a vehicle, according to court records.
Avery Betsuie, 46, is accused of battering Ernest Begay during an encounter in the roadway shortly before midnight on April 14, 2026. Investigators allege the confrontation caused Begay to fall into traffic lanes, where he was subsequently struck and killed. Court records allege the death occurred during the commission of a battery.
According to an affidavit for arrest warrant, Farmington police were dispatched to the area of 522 E. Broadway around 12:18 a.m. for a report of a vehicle versus pedestrian crash. Officers arriving at the scene observed a man lying in the roadway. Emergency responders later pronounced Begay deceased.
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from a nearby business, which reportedly showed Begay walking along Broadway before encountering Betsuie. The footage allegedly captured the two men walking in the roadway and interacting before a physical altercation occurred.
Police allege the video shows Betsuie appeared to punch Begay multiple times, according to court records, causing him to fall into the westbound lanes of traffic. Court records state Begay remained in the roadway when a dark-colored truck approached and struck him without slowing.
Witness statements cited in the affidavit describe an argument between Begay and Betsuie prior to the physical encounter. One witness told investigators Betsuie “punched out” Begay several times, leaving him lying in the roadway before walking away from the scene.
Investigators noted weather conditions at the time included rain and overcast skies, and stated that individuals in the roadway are at risk of being struck by passing vehicles.
CHARGES FILED
- Involuntary Manslaughter (Fourth-Degree Felony)
CASE STATUS
Betsuie has been ordered held without conditions of release pending a hearing, according to a temporary detention order filed in Aztec Magistrate Court.
SOURCE
San Juan County Magistrate Court records, affidavit for arrest warrant, and criminal complaint.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.