In a distressing case that has sent ripples through the local community, Jared James Dicus, 23, was sentenced to 40 years in prison for the brutal killing of his wife, Anggy Diaz, on July 31, 2024. The Waller County Sheriff’s Office in Texas confirmed that Dicus pleaded guilty to the crime carried out in January 2023.
Following a 911 call from Dicus’ parents on January 11, 2023, deputies discovered the mutilated body of 21-year-old Anggy Diaz in a small cabin located behind their residence on Oak Hollow Blvd., near Magnolia, Texas. The crime scene was horrific, with blood scattered around the cabin and Diaz’s head found in the shower.
As soon as deputies arrived at the scene, Dicus was taken into custody. During the subsequent investigation, he confessed to the murder. The couple had a prior record of domestic violence calls at their residence, however, the motive behind the crime remains undisclosed by the authorities.
Sean G. Whittmore, Waller County Criminal District Attorney, noted that Dicus’ mental health came under scrutiny during the pretrial phase. A psychiatric evaluation ordered by the court found him competent to stand trial. As part of his plea agreement, Dicus gave up his right to appeal and any chance for an insanity defense.
Whittmore highlighted the community’s stance on 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, who originally hailed from Nicaragua, was working two jobs to support her family back home. Her friends and colleagues remember her as a vivacious and ambitious individual. “A very bright girl, full of energy, never negative. She had so many goals in life,” her boss, Veronica Jimenez, recalled.
Irvin Orellana, Diaz’s uncle and former legal guardian, remembered her as a beacon of light for the family whose absence would be deeply felt. A GoFundMe page was established to aid in covering the costs of returning her body to Nicaragua and the funeral expenses.
The couple had been married for only three months, since October 2022, before the tragic event. Despite their relationship appearing happy to those on the outside, friends noticed a shift in Diaz’s demeanor after the wedding. Surveillance footage recorded on the day of the murder showed Dicus shoplifting a beer from Diaz’s place of work, shortly before her body was discovered.
The severe nature of the crime and the consequential sentencing have deeply affected the community. Dicus is ineligible for parole until at least 2043, shifting the focus to healing and justice for Anggy Diaz’s loved ones. As stated by Whittmore, this case stands as a grim reminder of the seriousness of domestic violence and serves as a testament to Waller County’s unwavering dedication to prosecuting such horrific acts.
