Groom sentenced to 40 years for bride's grisly dismemberment murder

A Waller County court sentenced a 23-year-old man to 40 years in prison for the decapitation murder of his wife, a crime that occurred just months after their wedding.

Jared James Dicus, 23, entered a guilty plea for the January 11, 2023, killing of 21-year-old Anggy Diaz, the Waller County district attorney's office reported. District Court Judge Gary Chaney issued the sentence on July 31.

Waller County Sheriff Troy Guidry said Dicus' parents alerted authorities on Jan. 11, 2023, reporting a death on their property near Magnolia, approximately 45 miles northwest of Houston.

"A portion of the body was dismembered, and the residence was covered in blood. Gruesome scene at best," Guidry said at a news conference after the killing.

The case garnered significant attention due to its brutal nature and the short duration of the couple's marriage. Authorities reported that Dicus and Diaz had wed in October 2022, only three months prior to the incident.

According to a release from the sheriff's office, Dicus was detained at the scene and confessed to the murder when detectives arrived. Prosecutors said a kitchen knife was identified as the murder weapon.

District Attorney Sean G. Whittmore successfully argued for a $1 million bond, up from the initial $500,000, citing Dicus' history of violent behavior. Court records revealed a prior arrest for driving while intoxicated two months before the murder, during which Dicus allegedly threatened law enforcement personnel and jail staff.

"Waller County does not tolerate domestic violence," Whittmore said in a statement. "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."

The court proceedings featured statements from relatives of the victim. They spoke of Diaz's character and her journey from Nicaragua to Texas in search of a brighter future. Family members highlighted her work ethic and positive disposition during their testimonies.

Due to the aggravated nature of the offense, prosecutors said Dicus will not be eligible for parole until 2043 at the earliest.

Sheriff Guidry confirmed that deputies had responded to the same property multiple times for reports of domestic violence prior to the murder.

Waller County is now reviewing its policies on responding to domestic disturbance calls. The sheriff's office plans to conduct additional training for deputies on identifying high-risk situations.