An Aztec man has been charged after deputies formed a perimeter and he exited a residence with his hands raised following a reported shooting, according to court records.

Sean Carl Elliot, 46, of 36 Road 2635, is charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and negligent use of a deadly weapon after the April 19 incident in San Juan County.

According to a criminal complaint, deputies with the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a possible gunshot victim at the residence. As deputies arrived, Elliot exited the front door with his hands up and surrendered into custody.

Officers then entered the home to clear it and located William Elliot lying on the floor near the kitchen area with an apparent gunshot wound to the throat, according to the complaint. A towel was wrapped around his neck, and a kitchen knife was found nearby.

Emergency medical personnel later transported the victim to a hospital, according to court records.

Investigators reported that a revolver was located on a couch in the living room. The firearm contained six rounds, with one spent casing. Detectives documented multiple apparent bullet defects inside the residence, including impacts in the floor, ceiling, and a wall separating the kitchen and laundry room.

According to the affidavit, one projectile traveled through a wall, a heating unit, and struck a washing machine. Additional projectiles were later recovered from the floor beneath the home and from the ceiling area.

Detectives used trajectory rods and laser analysis to estimate the path of the bullet, and investigators reported it was plausible the shot was fired from a seated position near the couch, according to court records.

Deputies reported Elliot appeared intoxicated. According to the complaint, he told deputies he had consumed approximately six beers and said his brother had threatened him with a knife.

The complaint alleges Elliot discharged a revolver, striking the victim.

CHARGES FILED

• Aggravated Battery (Deadly Weapon) – Third-degree felony
• Negligent Use of a Deadly Weapon (Intoxication) – Misdemeanor

The incident follows a recent Aztec shooting case involving gunfire inside a residence, according to court records from that investigation.

CASE STATUS

A warrant for Elliot’s arrest was issued April 20, 2026, in Aztec Magistrate Court. Court records indicate no bond was set in accordance with Rule 5-408. His custody status was not immediately available in filed documents.

SOURCE

San Juan County Magistrate Court records, including criminal complaint and affidavit for arrest warrant filed April 20, 2026.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.