A San Juan County man has been charged with first-degree murder, according to court records, and prosecutors have filed a motion seeking to keep him detained pending trial.

Andrew Martin Begay, 28, is charged in connection with a homicide reported April 15, 2026, in the 400 block of East Broadway in Farmington. Newly filed court documents, including an affidavit for arrest warrant, outline statements from witnesses and investigators regarding the death of a 43-year-old man identified by police as Eli Newton.

According to the affidavit, officers and emergency personnel responded to 439 East Broadway after a welfare check and found Newton with severe injuries, including a significant laceration to the throat and multiple apparent stab wounds. He was transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center, where he was later pronounced deceased.

Investigators allege Begay was present with Newton and a woman prior to the incident. According to statements included in the affidavit, Begay told detectives he had been with Newton near the location and left to purchase alcohol before returning and finding Newton injured.

During an interview, Begay allegedly made a swiping motion across his neck when asked what happened, according to the affidavit. Investigators noted that specific details about the victim’s injuries had not been made public.

According to the affidavit, a witness later identified as Dallin Yazzie told police that Begay had said he “stabbed someone,” and reported seeing what appeared to be blood on Begay’s hands. Another witness account described Begay appearing intoxicated and making similar statements, though investigators noted conflicting accounts from individuals at the scene.

Investigators also reviewed Real-Time Crime Center footage and tracked Begay’s movements between locations on East Broadway and West Maple Street before locating him at a hospital, where he was later interviewed by detectives.

According to the affidavit, Begay had visible blood on his hands, shoes, and clothing during the interview. He denied stabbing Newton when questioned by detectives.

Prosecutors allege in a motion for pretrial detention that the case is a violent offense and describe it as having “no apparent motive.” Court records further state Begay was on probation at the time of the alleged offense and pending an appeal related to a probation violation.

Separate filings show Begay’s probation had been revoked in March 2026 in a prior case involving attempted possession of a controlled substance.

CHARGES FILED

• Murder in the First Degree (1st Degree Felony)

The charge comes amid a separate San Juan County homicide case involving a fatal crash and DWI allegation, according to court records in that matter.

CASE STATUS

Begay is being held at the San Juan County Adult Detention Center, according to court records. Prosecutors have requested that he remain detained pending trial, arguing that no release conditions would reasonably protect the safety of the community.

The investigation remains ongoing. Additional individuals who were present near the scene were interviewed as part of the case, according to court filings.

SOURCE

11th Judicial District Court records, including affidavit for arrest warrant, statement of probable cause, and expedited motion for pretrial detention.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges are based on allegations filed in court records and have not been proven.