A Rio Rancho man with a criminal history was arrested June 22 after allegedly killing his girlfriend’s father.
DeAndre Raheen Julian, 23, was charged with second-degree murder and third-degree tampering in the death of Adrian Begay, who was shot multiple times with a handgun.
The incident in Fruitland involved Julian and his girlfriend, Adrianna Begay, 21, of Rio Rancho. The couple was visiting Adrianna Begay’s family at a home on County Road 6668 and had been there since June 17, according to the arrest affidavit.
Julian and Adrianna reportedly were doing yard work for Adrian Begay, Adrianna’s father. They were at his home, 21 County Road 6740, about 1 p.m. Sunday, sitting on her father’s porch waiting for a ride, the affidavit states.
Adrian drove up in a truck, stepped out, walked toward them, and was shot with a 9 mm handgun. Julian and Adrianna then left the area on foot, the affidavit states.
Both Adrianna and Julian were picked up at Golden’s Food Store, 700 Road 6100 in Fruitland, and were taken to the Kirtland Substation for questioning. Julian invoked his rights to an attorney and “declined to make any statements,“ the affidavit says.
Adrianna reportedly told San Juan County Sheriff’s investigators that she and Julian were “scared” because her father “started arguments with Julian about not working,” and had made “statements about ‘opening fire’ on Julian,” the affidavit states.
Adrianna also reportedly told investigators that after the shooting, Julian told her “to hold onto the black handgun,” which she placed in a “small black handbag,” according to the affidavit.
A video surveillance system from a nearby homeowner reportedly captured the shooting on film, and was turned over to law enforcement, the affidavit states.
Julian has prior criminal charges of battery from 2022 and criminal damage to property from 2022. Both cases were dismissed without prejudice and could be refiled at a later date, according to court records.
A preliminary hearing is set for 8:30 a.m. July 2 in San Juan County Magistrate Court.
