Adrian Begay, 45, male, was shot and killed on June 22, 2025, in Fruitland, New Mexico. Deputies were called around 2:30 p.m. to reports of gunfire at a residence. According to the San Juan County Sheriff's Office, the shooting followed a verbal dispute that began at Begay's home and continued outside a nearby residence, where the suspect confronted him and fired multiple rounds into Begay's chest at close range. Despite life-saving efforts by deputies and EMS, Begay died at the scene.
Investigators quickly identified the alleged shooter as DeAndre Raheen Julian, 23, who had been visiting the area with his girlfriend, Begay's 21-year-old daughter. The pair fled on foot but were detained within a few hundred yards of the scene by responding deputies. The Sheriff's Office announced that Julian was taken into custody that day.
Subsequent reporting describes details contained in an arrest affidavit: Julian and Begay's daughter had been staying with the family since June 17 and were doing yard work for Begay earlier that day. While the couple sat on the porch waiting for a ride, Begay arrived in a truck and walked toward them; Julian is alleged to have fired a 9 mm handgun, after which the pair left on foot and were later picked up by law enforcement for questioning. The affidavit notes that nearby home surveillance reportedly captured the shooting and was turned over to investigators.
Authorities charged Julian with second-degree murder and third-degree tampering with evidence; the Sheriff's Office requested a no-bond hold. Local coverage indicated that a preliminary hearing was set for July 2 in San Juan County Magistrate Court. As of the initial announcements in late June 2025, Julian was under arrest in connection with the killing of Adrian Begay.
