In an unsettling case that left the local community in shock, Jared James Dicus, a 23-year-old man from Texas, was sentenced on July 31, 2024, to 40 years imprisonment for the disturbing murder of his recently-wed wife, Anggy Diaz. Dicus confessed to the crime, as confirmed by the Waller County Sheriff’s Office. The murder occurred in January 2023.
The distressing events unfolded on the afternoon of January 11, 2023, when a 911 call from Dicus’ parents guided deputies to a small cabin located behind the family’s residence on Oak Hollow Blvd. in Magnolia, Texas. Inside the cabin, they discovered the decapitated body of 21-year-old Anggy Diaz amidst a horrifying scene. Blood was scattered throughout the cabin and Diaz’s severed head was found in the shower.
Deputies took Dicus into custody immediately upon arrival at the site. During the course of the investigation, Dicus confessed to the murder. Although the motive is undisclosed, the authorities have mentioned a history of domestic violence in the couple’s relationship with previous calls made to their residence.
Sean G. Whittmore, the Waller County Criminal District Attorney, highlighted that mental health issues were considered during pretrial proceedings. However, a court-ordered psychiatric evaluation deemed Dicus fit to stand trial. As part of the plea agreement, Dicus relinquished his right to appeal and any potential insanity defense.
Whittmore underscored Waller County’s strong stance against domestic violence, asserting, “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, who was an immigrant from Nicaragua, held two jobs in order to support her family back home. Her friends and colleagues remembered her fondly. Veronica Jimenez, her employer, described Diaz as “a very bright girl, full of energy, never negative. She had so many goals in life.”
Her uncle and former legal guardian, Irvin Orellana, reminisced about her lively personality, mentioning that Diaz was “the light to our family” and that her loss would be forever felt. The family established a GoFundMe page to cover the costs of Diaz’s body repatriation to Nicaragua and her funeral expenses.
The couple had been married since October 2022, only three months prior to the tragic incident. The relationship, which started at Diaz’s workplace, appeared pleasant to outsiders. However, friends observed a change in Diaz’s behavior after the wedding. On the day of the murder, surveillance footage captured Dicus stealing a beer from the store where Diaz was employed, shortly before her body was found.
The shocking crime and the subsequent sentencing have deeply affected the community. Now, with Dicus ineligible for parole until at least 2043, the focus shifts to healing and seeking justice for Anggy Diaz’s loved ones.