In a harrowing case that has shocked the local community, on July 31, 2024 a Texas judge sentenced Jared James Dicus, 23, to 40 years in prison for the gruesome murder of his newlywed wife, Anggy Diaz. The Waller County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Dicus pleaded guilty to the crime, which took place in January 2023.

On the afternoon of January 11, 2023, a distressing 911 call from Dicus’ parents led deputies to a small cabin behind their home on Oak Hollow Blvd. near Magnolia, Texas. There, they discovered the decapitated body of 21-year-old Anggy Diaz in what was described as a “gruesome scene.” Blood was found throughout the cabin, and Diaz’s head was located in the shower.

Upon their arrival, deputies immediately took Dicus into custody. During the investigation, Dicus admitted to the murder. The authorities have not disclosed a motive for the crime, but the couple had a history of domestic violence, with previous calls made to the home.

Waller County Criminal District Attorney Sean G. Whittmore noted that mental health concerns were raised during the pretrial phase. A court-ordered psychiatric evaluation found Dicus competent to stand trial. As part of the plea deal, Dicus waived his right to appeal and any potential insanity defense. 

Whittmore emphasized the community’s stance against domestic violence, stating, “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.”

Diaz, an immigrant from Nicaragua, was working two jobs to support her family back home. She was remembered fondly by her friends and co-workers. Veronica Jimenez, her boss, described her as “a very bright girl, full of energy, never negative. She had so many goals in life.” 

Irvin Orellana, Diaz’s uncle and former legal guardian, also spoke of her vibrant personality, noting that she was “the light to our family” and that her absence would be felt forever. The family set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the costs of transporting her body back to Nicaragua and her funeral expenses.

The couple had only been married since October 2022, a mere three months before the tragedy. Their relationship, which started at Diaz’s workplace, appeared happy to outsiders, but friends noticed changes in Diaz’s demeanor after the wedding. Surveillance footage from the day of the murder showed Dicus stealing a beer from the store where Diaz worked, shortly before her body was discovered.

The brutal nature of the crime and the subsequent sentencing have left a lasting impact on the community. With Dicus ineligible for parole until at least 2043, the focus now turns to healing and justice for Anggy Diaz’s family and friends. As Whittmore stated, the case serves as a stark reminder of the severity of domestic violence and the unwavering commitment to prosecuting such heinous acts in Waller County.