A Texas man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for the gruesome murder of his newlywed wife. Jared James Dicus pleaded guilty to murdering 21-year-old Anggy Diaz, a Nicaraguan immigrant, by chopping off her head and leaving it in the shower.
Texas man Jared James Dicus, 23, was sentenced to 40 years in prison on Wednesday after pleading guilty to murdering his newlywed wife, Anggy Diaz. The brutal crime occurred in January 2023, leaving Diaz's family and the community in shock and disbelief.
Texas Man Sentenced to 40 Years for Brutal Murder of Newlywed Wife
According to prosecutors, Dicus and Diaz had been married for just three months when Dicus killed her in their home. Deputies from the Waller County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to the residence following a 911 call and discovered Diaz lying in a pool of blood on the bedroom floor. Investigators determined that she had suffered multiple stab wounds in her back.
A subsequent search of the residence led to the discovery of Diaz's head in the shower. An autopsy later confirmed that she had died from her injuries. Dicus was arrested and charged with murder.
Texas Man Sentenced to 40 Years for Brutal Murder of Newlywed Wife
During the pre-trial phase, potential mental health issues were raised regarding Dicus's competency to stand trial. However, after a court-ordered examination, he was deemed competent to stand trial.
In light of overwhelming evidence and to avoid a potentially lengthy and emotionally draining trial, Dicus entered into a plea agreement with prosecutors. As part of the deal, he waived his right to appeal the verdict and sentence, including any potential defense, such as an insanity defense.
Texas Man Sentenced to 40 Years for Brutal Murder of Newlywed Wife
The plea deal also included a full waiver of any post-conviction writ of habeas corpus, which is a legal mechanism that allows a convicted person to challenge their sentence or imprisonment.
Waller County District Attorney Sean Whittmore praised the plea agreement, stating that it sends a strong message to domestic violence perpetrators and perpetrators that such heinous crimes will not be tolerated.
"Waller County does not tolerate domestic violence. Heinous crimes like this one will not go unanswered," Whittmore said in a statement. "We will seek justice for the victims of domestic violence and send a message to the perpetrators that here, we fight for our victims."
Diaz, a young immigrant from Nicaragua, had worked as counter help at a local business. Her family described her as a loving and hardworking person.
The Waller County Sheriff's Office commended the detectives and deputies involved in the investigation and prosecution of the case. Sheriff Troy Guidry highlighted the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
"This was a senseless and tragic crime that has left a family and a community mourning," Guidry said. "We are committed to ensuring that justice is served and that the victims of such heinous acts are remembered."
The sentencing of Dicus to 40 years in prison brings some measure of closure to the family and friends of Anggy Diaz. However, the scars of this brutal murder will likely remain with them for the rest of their lives. The case serves as a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the need for continued efforts to prevent and prosecute such crimes.
