In a harrowing case that has shocked Texas, 23-year-old Jared James Dicus has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for the brutal murder and decapitation of his 21-year-old wife, Anggy Diaz. The crime occurred in January 2023, and Dicus admitted to the killing shortly after his arrest.
Distress call and discovery
On January 11, 2023, the Waller County Sheriff’s Office received a distress call from Dicus’ parents around 4:35 p.m., reporting a possible death at their property. The property, located on Oak Hollow Blvd. near Magnolia, is approximately 60 miles northwest of downtown Houston. Upon arrival, law enforcement officers discovered the decapitated body of Diaz in a small cabin behind the main house, where the couple lived.
Scene of the crime
The cabin was described as a blood-splattered scene. According to court documents, Diaz was found on the floor near the bed, surrounded by a pool of blood with stab wounds to her back. The documents also revealed that “what appeared to be the head of the victim was in the shower.” Dicus was quickly apprehended by police and confessed to the murder during interrogation. While the motive for the horrific murder has not been disclosed publicly, deputies indicated that they had previously responded to domestic violence-related calls at the residence.
Legal proceedings and mental health considerations
Sean G. Whittmore, the Waller County Criminal District Attorney, highlighted that potential mental health issues were considered during the pretrial phase. However, a psychiatrist deemed Dicus competent to stand trial. As part of the plea agreement, Dicus will not be allowed to appeal the verdict or present an insanity defense. Diaz’s family has expressed satisfaction with the plea deal, according to Whitmore. Dicus will not be eligible for parole until 2043. “Waller County does not tolerate domestic violence. Heinous crimes like this one will not go unanswered. We will seek justice for the victims of domestic violence and send a message to the perpetrators that here, we fight for our victims,” Whittmore declared in a statement on Wednesday.
Friends and colleagues fondly remember Anggy Diaz for her vibrant personality and positive spirit. “Very bright girl, full of energy, never negative,” recalled Diaz’s employer Veronica Jimenez in an interview with Houston NBC affiliate KPRC. “She had so many goals in life.” Irvin Orellana, Diaz’s uncle and former legal guardian, described her as “the light to our family” on a GoFundMe page established in her memory. “Always with a smile and cheerful personality. The absence of her from our lives will be felt forever,” he wrote. The crowdfunding effort successfully raised funds to repatriate her body to her homeland of Nicaragua. This tragic case underscores the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of seeking justice for its victims.
