FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

08/03/2026

San Juan County Sheriff’s Office Investigates Homicide

San Juan County, NM – The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a homicide that occurred last night west of Farmington, NM.

At 10:11 pm, Deputies responded to a call from Anthony Heard who reported that his firearm had discharged, striking his ex-wife, Varissa Heard, in the chest. Anthony performed CPR on Varissa until deputies arrived a few minutes later at 10:16 pm and took over rendering aid. Varissa was transported to San Juan Regional Medical Center where she was pronounced deceased.

Throughout the course of our investigation and after interviewing Anthony Heard, detectives with the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office charged Mr. Heard with Murder 1 (Open Count) and Negligent Use of a Deadly Weapon.

“We understand how deeply unsettling this is for our community,” said Sheriff Ferrari. “We will continue our investigation to bring justice to this tragic situation. Our hearts go out to the family of Varissa Heard as they navigate this grief.”

As this is an active investigation, no further information will be provided at this time.

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Media Contact:
Rebekah Click – Public Information Manager
Email: clickr@sjcso.com