Man held on $500K bond after reportedly confessing to decapitating newlywed wife in Waller County

ByKaren Alvarez KTRK logo
Sunday, January 15, 2023
Decapitation victim 'wasn't the same' after she wed, coworkers say
Eyewitness News is following up on details in the wake of a gruesome killing in Waller County - a young bride left decapitated, allegedly by her own husband.

WALLER COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- Bond was set at $500,000 for a man charged with murder, accused of killing his wife, and decapitating her near Magnolia. He's behind bars in the Waller County Jail.

Investigators said Jared Dicus confessed to killing Anggy Diaz at the home they shared on his parents' property on Oak Hollow just south of FM 1488.

His newlywed wife was just 21 years old. They got married last October by Waller County Judge Trey Duhon, who posted a smiling picture of the couple on Facebook shortly after the ceremony.

On Wednesday, investigators say they found Diaz decapitated and dismembered.

ORIGINAL REPORT: Woman's murder shakes Waller County community; neighbors say suspect 'protected those he love'

A man is facing murder charges after deputies say he confessed to decapitating his wife at their home.

According to Sheriff Troy Guidry, Dicus' father called authorities when they realized something was wrong. Dicus stayed on the scene as investigators arrived. Diaz's head was decapitated, and the sheriff said the scene was bloody.

"A portion of the body was dismembered, and the residence was covered in blood. Gruesome scene at best," he said.

Guidry said that all family members were taken to the sheriff's department, where they were interviewed, and Dicus was charged.

"Evidence shows the suspect used a kitchen knife," Guidry said, adding that the weapon had been recovered.

There have been prior disturbance calls made to the suspect's parents' home, though it's unclear if the calls are related to Dicus or his older brother, who apparently also lives in the home.

Investigators said they are looking to see if drugs may have been a factor.

ABC13 spoke to a neighbor who is struggling to understand what happened.

"Diaz was this little ray of sunshine in his life," the neighbor, who grew up with Dicus, said. "She was optimistic. He made her happy, and she kept him in good spirits."

Anggy, who worked at Chepes Meat Market for more than three years, was originally from Nicaragua.

A family member whom ABC13 spoke to says she was the eldest of four and had left her home country in search of a better life.

She was working two jobs to help her family back home.

Surveillance video obtained by ABC13 shows Dicus the same day his wife was found decapitated, going inside the meat shop where Diaz worked, grabbing a drink, and leaving without paying.

A memorial now stands in front of the place where Diaz worked.

Diaz's family is planning a vigil this Saturday at a park near her home. They have also started a GoFundMe, and hope to collect enough money to give her a proper burial.