News Summary
A Phoenix man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for the stabbing murder of his wife. The incident occurred in a Home Depot parking lot after discussions about annulment. The case highlights domestic violence issues and has prompted community discussions on prevention.
Phoenix, AZ – Stephen Dennis, a 36-year-old man, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for the stabbing murder of his wife, Aliccia Grant, who was 37 years old. The fatal attack occurred on September 9, 2024, in the parking lot of a Home Depot located near the intersection of Cactus and Cave Creek roads in north Phoenix.
According to court records, the incident unfolded just after midnight when Dennis stabbed Grant multiple times following discussions about obtaining an annulment of their marriage. Witnesses at the scene reported hearing a woman’s screams for help during the violent confrontation.
Following the stabbing, Grant was located in the driver’s seat of her Toyota Prius with numerous stab wounds. Dennis was identified as being in the passenger seat of the vehicle before fleeing the scene on foot. Bystanders who witnessed the attack attempted to assist Grant while police were en route to the location.
Once authorities arrived, Grant was able to identify her husband, Dennis, as the individual responsible for her injuries. Tragically, she succumbed to her wounds shortly after being transported to a nearby hospital.
Subsequent to the incident, Dennis contacted 911 to confess to the stabbing, informing the operator of the crime and revealing the location of the murder weapon. He later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in early 2025.
On a recent Friday, Dennis was formally sentenced to 18 years in prison, a decision reflecting the serious nature of his actions. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) emphasized the importance of addressing domestic violence and violence against women, reiterating their commitment to holding individuals accountable for such acts. Prosecutors highlighted that the relationship between Grant and Dennis was expected to be based on trust, making the crime an egregious violation of that fundamental principle.
This incident has brought significant attention to issues of domestic violence in the community, prompting discussions about prevention and response initiatives within the local area. The alterations to the lives of families affected by such tragic instances underscore the need for continued efforts in raising awareness of domestic abuse.
As the community reflects on the tragic event, the commitment of law enforcement and legal entities to combat domestic violence remains a focal point. Authorities are advocating for further resources and support systems for victims of domestic abuse to prevent future occurrences of such violence.
The case concludes with a somber reminder of the serious implications surrounding domestic disputes and the irreversible consequences that can arise when conflict turns violent. Law enforcement officials continue to urge all individuals in a similar situation to seek help and utilize available resources to ensure their safety.
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Additional Resources
- AZ Family: Man Sentenced for Wife’s Murder
- Wikipedia: Domestic Violence
- Fox 10: Phoenix Murder Case Closed
- Google Search: Domestic Violence Prevention
- KOLD: Woman Killed in Glendale Road Rage Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Criminal Justice
- KTAR: Husband-Wife Murder Sentencing
- Google News: Phoenix Murder Cases
- AZ Central: Phoenix Case Closed
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
