The Case of Anggy Diaz

Anggy Diaz, a 21-year-old woman originally from Nicaragua, was murdered by her husband, Jared James Dicus, at their home near Magnolia, Texas, on 11 January 2023. Dicus confessed to the killing after police arrived at the residence. He later pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to 40 years in prison.

Anggy Diaz was born in Nicaragua before later moving to the United States. Family members described her as kind, hardworking and optimistic. She worked two jobs, one at a local meat market where she learned English, while also sending money home to help support her mother, who was undergoing cancer treatment in Nicaragua. Anggy married Jared James Dicus on 21 October 2022. Both were 21 years old at the time, and they had been married for less than three months when the homicide occurred. The couple lived in a small house situated behind the home of Jared's parents on Oak Hollow Boulevard near Magnolia in Waller County, Texas. On 11 January 2023, Jared Dicus brutally murdered Anggy inside their home. His parents later went to check on the couple after becoming concerned. Jared's father discovered the scene and immediately contacted emergency services. Deputies responding to the residence encountered Jared, who admitted killing his wife.

Waller County Sheriff's deputies arrived at the residence shortly after receiving the emergency call. Investigators encountered an exceptionally violent crime scene. The home contained extensive amounts of blood, and Anggy's body had been dismembered. Authorities later confirmed she had suffered multiple stab wounds and had been decapitated. Investigators secured the residence and conducted an extensive forensic examination. Numerous items of physical evidence were collected from inside the home as the investigation progressed.

The investigation was led by the Waller County Sheriff's Office with assistance from forensic specialists. Jared Dicus was taken into custody at the scene after admitting responsibility for Anggy's death. During the pre-trial proceedings, concerns were raised regarding Dicus's mental competency. The court ordered a psychiatric evaluation, which concluded that he was competent to stand trial. Rather than proceeding to trial, Dicus entered into a plea agreement with prosecutors. On 31 July 2024, he pleaded guilty to the murder of Anggy Diaz. As part of the agreement, he waived his right to appeal, waived any future insanity defence and waived post-conviction habeas corpus challenges.

Following his guilty plea, Judge Gary Chaney sentenced Jared James Dicus to 40 years' imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Under Texas law, Dicus will not become eligible for parole until 2043 at the earliest, although parole is not guaranteed. Waller County Criminal District Attorney Sean Whittmore stated that the plea agreement had been discussed with Anggy's family before it was accepted and said the sentence reflected the seriousness of the domestic violence homicide.