SAN JUAN COUNTY, N.M. — A Farmington man was arrested early Tuesday morning following a reported domestic disturbance that escalated into a stabbing inside an apartment complex, according to court records filed in San Juan County Magistrate Court.
Farmington police were dispatched shortly after 2 a.m. on February 4, 2026, after receiving a report of a woman suffering from a bleeding arm injury. Dispatchers advised responding officers that the alleged suspect was the woman’s boyfriend and that a knife may have been involved.
When officers arrived at the apartment complex, they encountered a woman seated near a stairwell applying pressure to her arm. Officers noted visible bleeding and signs of injury consistent with a laceration, according to the statement of probable cause.
Police attempted to make contact with the suspect, later identified as Homer Lamanuel, who was observed inside the apartment near a window. Officers reported that Lamanuel initially refused to exit the residence and that a firearm was briefly drawn as officers issued repeated commands for him to come out safely.
After additional officers arrived and verbal commands continued, Lamanuel exited the apartment with his hands raised and was taken into custody without further incident.
Blood Evidence Found Inside Apartment
Following the arrest, officers entered the apartment to secure the scene. Inside, they reported multiple signs consistent with a violent altercation, including bloodstains on the carpet and additional blood droplets observed on a nearby balcony area.
Investigators spoke with several neighboring residents, none of whom reported witnessing the incident directly. One resident stated they had heard screaming outside and later learned that emergency medical services had been called.
The injured woman was transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center, where officers later documented a laceration measuring approximately six centimeters on her arm. Medical staff treated the wound, and photographs were taken for evidence, police said.
Alleged Argument Preceded Incident
According to police, the woman told investigators that she and Lamanuel had been in a romantic relationship since 2020 and had recently resumed living together. She reported that the couple had spent much of the day together prior to the incident and that alcohol consumption may have occurred.
The woman alleged that an argument began inside the apartment and escalated when Lamanuel threw a plate toward the kitchen area. She stated that during the argument, Lamanuel grabbed a knife and swung it downward, striking her arm and causing the injury.
She further alleged that she attempted to call emergency services multiple times but was unable to complete the call.
Domestic violence incidents involving alleged weapons have been the subject of multiple recent court filings in San Juan County, including a separate case in which an Aztec man was arrested following reported threats during a household dispute. That case is detailed here.
Suspect Claims Injury Was Accidental
After being advised of his Miranda rights, Lamanuel gave a statement to police. According to the affidavit, he claimed the injury was accidental and alleged that the woman had grabbed the knife first. He stated that he attempted to take the knife away from her and described her as an “accident cutter.”
Police noted that Lamanuel’s account differed significantly from the woman’s statements and that his explanation changed multiple times during questioning.
Officers also reported that Lamanuel initially stated he was attempting to prevent self-harm, a claim investigators said was inconsistent with physical evidence and witness observations.
Charges Filed
- Aggravated Battery Against a Household Member (Deadly Weapon)
- Resisting, Evading, or Obstructing an Officer
Court records indicate the case has been referred for further review by prosecutors. No conviction has been entered, and all allegations remain unproven.
As with all criminal cases, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
⚖️ Legal & Public-Interest Disclaimer: This report is based solely on a sworn statement of probable cause and police documentation filed in San Juan County Magistrate Court. Allegations described herein have not been tested in court. Names of alleged victims are withheld in accordance with editorial policy and public-interest standards.